Poz Wins Bednarik and Butkus; Revives Linebacker U.

In Penn State's continuing process of re-establishing Nittany Lion football as a national power, Paul Posluszny has been a consistent contributor. He made some plays as a freshman and made a large statement when he returned an interception for a touchdown in the 52-7 win over Indiana. In 2004, Poz established himself as one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten, but overshadowed by Ohio State's A.J. Hawk and Iowa's Chad Greenway because of PSU's poor record. Now in 2005, Poz has evolved into the best linebacker in college football. He has already placed his name among the greatest linebackers in Penn State history. He will be remembered as the man who revived Penn State as "Linebacker U.". With Dan Connor along side him and a gang of freshmen on the bench, Penn State is preparing to churn out a number of menacing linebackers for the first time since 1999 when LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short were at PSU. Since then, Penn State has sent no linebackers into the NFL. Now the starting three since mid 2004 (Poz, Dan Connor and Tim Shaw) are all likely to be drafted.

Congratulations to Paul Posluszny on a fabulous 2005 season. He represents everything that is right about Penn State football- success with honor, hard-nosed play and humble leadership. Paul Posluszny is Penn State's first junior captain in many decades. Considering the legends who have called Beaver Stadium home, that is quite an honor. I hope to see Poz back next season and by all indications he will be back. But if he does have a change of heart, I wouldn't hold it against him. He has earned the NFL money if he wants to take it now or wait a season.