Penn State stacked at linebacker, other key positions

IF THE HOARDING of four- and five-star high school linebackers provided the surest route to success in big-time college football, Penn State would contend for the national championship every season. Surely, the Nittany Lions would be among the elite teams again this year.

Despite the departure of all three starting linebackers from last season's 11-2 team - Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman and Josh Hull were all selected in the NFL draft - the Nits are, if anything, even deeper this time around. The new starters, senior Chris Colasanti in the middle flanked by senior Bani Gbadyu and redshirt junior Nate Stupar - all are former blue-chip prospects, and they're backed by a group with equally shiny prep credentials. Sophomores Michael Mauti, Gerald Hodges and Michael Yancich all could start for any number of college teams, and behind them is freshman Khairi Fortt, one of the most heavily recruited players in country. He's probably content to wait his turn, which is often the case for inexperienced linebackers in Happy Valley.

"Waiting 3 years has made me realize how important this opportunity is, and how blessed I truly am to be getting it," said Colasanti, who has been a reserve since he arrived from Brother Rice High in Michigan in the summer of 2007.

Penn State linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden acknowledges that the school's "Linebacker U" reputation is a big lure for those who want to follow in the footsteps of such legendary 'backers as Dennis Onkotz, Jack Ham, Charlie Zapiec, John Skorupan, Greg Buttle, Shane Conlan, LaVar Arrington and, more recently, Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor.

"We've really got a good depth situation," Vanderlinden said. "I do anticipate playing a lot of guys. Really, I feel as good as I possibly could for someone losing three good players who all got drafted. We're very fortunate to have a multitude of guys that can play at a high level."

Ah, but does that surplus of linebacking talent throw passes? Can it put on a few pounds and play on the offensive line? Line up at tight end? Move a few paces back and line up in the secondary?