They call Penn State "Linebacker U" for a reason. The succession of great linebackers, from Jack Ham in 1970 all the way through to Sean Lee last year, has been a trademark of the lengthy coaching reign of Joe Paterno.
Lee was the leader of one of the greatest linebacking units in Penn State history, with all three members - Lee (Dallas Cowboys), Navorro Bowman (San Francisco 49ers) and Josh Hull (St. Louis Rams) - being drafted into the NFL last April.
One would think the trio's simultaneous departure would leave a gaping hole that would take up most of Beaver Stadium. While there is no marquee player in the group that will take the field for Saturday's opener against Youngstown State, the number of quality linebackers gives the Nittany Lions a depth they don't usually have.
"I think a big difference is our depth," outside linebacker Bani Gbadyu said Wednesday. "We have five or six linebackers who could be starters on any team. Everyone has shown they're able to play at a high level, be consistent and make plays. Each has athletic ability that will contribute to the defense."
Gbadyu, who started five games last season while Lee recovered from a knee injury, is joined on the starting unit by Chris Colasanti in the middle and Nate Stupar on the other side. Stupar is a junior; the other two are seniors.
The Lions' backups on the outside, sophomores Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges, have shown much potential in the preseason and could see significant playing time as linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden rotates his players to keep fresh bodies in the game.
"We've got at least five, maybe six, kids that are good athletes who can be good linebackers," Paterno said. "A couple of them are a little bit behind - but I won't get into names. But overall, I think linebacker should be one of our stronger spots."
Mauti appeared to be ticketed for a starting job but the coaches, mindful that he practiced for the first time since tearing the ACL in his right knee during the 2009 preseason, didn't push. Still, he has impressed and probably will see time in the Lions' nickel package.
"Michael is a great player," Colasanti said. "He's quick and aggressive. He feels just as good now, if not better, than he did before the knee injury. He's worked awfully hard this past off-season on his knee and he's not hurting at all."
