Penn State's Reason For Hope #2 - We're Linebacker U

BSD — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0000

More photos » by Carolyn Kaster - AP

Yeah they're ok. I could have had guns like that back in my days at Brown. But I was too busy chasing girls and eating pasta. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Browse more photos »

Some things never change from year to year. Lou Holtz will always think Notre Dame is going undefeated. Jim Tressel will be rocking the sweater vest like it's a 1955 Sock Hop. Pitt will always suck. And Penn State will churn out a batch of man-eating linebackers. 2009 is no exception.

Linebackers have always been the heart and soul of Joe Paterno's defense. From Jack Ham and Dennis Onkotz to Ed O'Neil and Greg Buttle to Shane Conlan and Trei Bauer to LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short to Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor, Penn State has been turning out dominating linebackers for five decades.

Last year Navorro Bowmanemerged as a dominating force in only his redshirt sophomore year. Bowman led the team in tackles with 106 (61 solo), and was second in tackles for loss with 16.5, And though Penn State played their worst game of the year in the Rose Bowl, Bowman played his best game recording five solo tackles for loss against the Trojans. This year, with the full hype kicking in from the first snap of the season, Bowman is poised to rocket himself into many of the post season award shows. And then he will probably rocket himself into a first round draft pick next April.

But it won't be Bowman everyone will be watching when Akron lines up in a little over a week from now. All eyes will be on No. 45, Sean Lee. The senior captain returns this year after missing the 2008 season with an ACL injury. He took home the MVP in the 2007 Alamo Bowl and was poised for an All American year last season, but now we're blessed to see him on the field where we have plenty of other questions to address. His leadership and experience will be priceless in leading a defense that is rebuilding in several areas.

Mike Mauti was most likely fill in the third spot in the linebacker group, but an ACL injury brought that to an end. But don't cry for me, Argentina. Penn State has plenty of bodies to fill in. Josh Hull played all 13 games last year in Sean Lee's absence. Though he has been the subject of a lot of criticism here and in other venues, Hull brings tremendous experience, a good work ethic, and a tough attitude.

Backing up these guys is no shortage of talent. Nate Stupar is becoming one of my favorite players. I've mentioned this numerous times, but even though Derrick Williams got all the attention with is electrifying kick and punt returns, Stupar was the MVP on special teams last year. Every time Williams had a big return, No. 34 was there throwing a key block. Every time the kickoff coverage team stopped the opponent before he crossed the 20, it was No. 34 making the initial contact. And it was No. 34 fighting through double-team blocks to block two punts. The man was everywhere, and if he didn't play behind Lavorro he would be everywhere on defense.

As far as the rest of the guys, look for Bani Gbadyuto have a breakthrough year. He's seeing time at middle linebacker, and I have a hunch the coaches have finally figured out how to play him to his strengths. Let's just say if I'm an opposing coach and I see Gbadyu come in the game, I would look for the blitz.

With Mike Zordich and Mike Yancich Penn State probably has the best third string linebackers in the country. This group is so good the decision has already been made to redshirt Chris Colasanti, a former four-star prospect, in his third year.

The Linebacker U tradition is alive and well. And if history is an indicator, when Penn State has good linebackers, the defense is pretty nasty. Consider half the puzzle solved.

SB Nation - Dan Connor

Penn State's Reason For Hope #2 - We're Linebacker U