No, USC is not "Linebacker U"

Let the off-season main stream media bashing begin!

Albert Breer, an NFL writer at The Sporting News, just joined the masses of pro football hacks who think they know anything about college football. And just where did he begin his venture into a sport that couldn't be more different than its professional counterpart?

"Linebacker U" = Penn State USC

We've been through this before, but for some reason, about once per off-season, some schmuck rolls out one of these articles proclaiming Penn State should make way for a more worthy candidate for the "Linebacker U" title.

"[USC's] linebacker pipeline has grown so rich that a player who couldn't start at USC is at the Senior Bowl, one of 104 players invited to the most prestigious of the college all-star games... That's Clay Matthews."

Breer really lost me at that point–since when are these "all-star" games ever "prestigious?" But moving on–but I kept reading out of curiosity.

"Maybe Penn State really is Linebacker U, but it's hard to argue with USC's track record of producing at the position over the last 20 years, a history that includes Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Chris Claiborne, Lofa Tatupu and Keith Rivers."

Over the last 20 years? Andre Collins, LaVar Arrington, Brandon Short, Paul Pozluszny, Dan Connor, Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman, the 2005 Butkus, three consecutive Bednariks from 2005-2007. What? Oh sorry, didn't mean to interrupt...

"I played with Duane Bickett, we were both All-Americans. We had two," said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, another ex-Trojan linebacker who is coaching the South squad this week. "I don't know that I've ever seen three players come out that are as heralded as this group, and we've had some good linebackers come through there." Both Bickett and Del Rio became Pro Bowl players, each drafted in 1985, so the Class of '09 has a ways to go in that regard."

Oh, so now we're taking this beyond 20 years, back to the mid-80's? Sorry, I didn't know the argument could change mid-thought. I get a re-do then, too.

Robert Mitinger, Dennis Onkotz, Jack Ham, Charlie Zapiec, Bruce Bannon, John Skorupan, Ed O'Neil, Greg Buttle, Kurt Allerman, Shane Conlan... aaand Andre Collins, LaVar Arrington, Brandon Short, Paul Pozluszny, Dan Connor, Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman, the 2005 Butkus, three consecutive Bednariks from 2005-2007.

(Note: Interesting how Breer uses the "player who couldn't start" thing. I could have sworn that Bowman didn't start until a few games into the season, meaning he was a "player who couldn't start" at the beginning of this season. Now, he's first-team All-BigTen, and a near-lock for All-America in 2009. Also, since Aaron Maybin wasn't a "player would couldn't start" until Evans went out, does that mean Penn State should also be named "Defensive End U?" Hey, maybe that could be a post here all by itself. I'll look into it. But, on we go...)

It's almost entertaining at this point, whenever someone tries to label another school as "Linebacker U." It's an argument no one will win. Can they argue? Sure. But don't think it'll work. Shoot, I'll even take an argument for (gasp!) Ohio State as a more worthy candidate for the "Linebacker U" title, over USC.

If Penn State had gone dry over the last few years, say, without All-Americans Pozluszny, Connor, Lee and Bowman (by the way: Poz was just named the Bills' 2008 Defensive MVP), then I couldn't match what the challengers say. But when Penn State has continued to pump out some of the best linebackers in school history (Jack Ham, himself, said that), during the last few seasons, the arguments against the real "Linebacker U" just crash and burn.

More below the fold...

For disappointing draft class in Michigan Football history, the winner is…

2008.

I don’t know if things can get much worse for this bunch. Although Chad Henne hasn’t really done much to hurt his draft status, he still isn’t the killer prospect everyone thought he would be during his days as a Wolverine. That doesn’t help the matter. But what is really solidifying this class as one of the most underachieving ever is the lack of production from its supposed star players in this year’s draft.

“Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
Six receivers ran 4.4 or better and 11 ran under 4.5. Manningham wasn't one of them. Rail thin at just under six-feet and 181 pounds, his biggest strength was supposed to be his speed, and then he came up with a 4.59 and a 4.62. While fine at the ball drills, he wasn't as polished as many will probably make him out to be. However, he caught the ball well and still showed enough skill to be among the top five receivers taken. While he'll get another shot back on Michigan's campus to show what he can do, he all but blew any chance of being a first round pick. – CFN.com”

Everyone at Penn State knew that Manningham wasn’t that great, compared to the Michigan wide outs that have ripped us in the past. In fact, he’ll be remembered for only one play when it’s all over. “The Catch” against Penn State in 2005. Outside of that, has he ever showed up in the games that mattered? Ohio State? Bowl games? Of course, he’s coming out early, and if he’d stayed another season, things might have been different. But if you want to look at the icing on this draft class’ cake, look no further than Mr. Mike “Talks-To-Much” Hart.

“Mike Hart, RB Michigan
At 5-9 and 206 pounds, he lifted well with 23 reps, but overall appeared scrawnier than expected, especially in his legs. The big problem was his lack of speed and burst in the quickness drills. The 4.65 and 4.75 40s were disastrous, and he showed little overall athleticism compared to the other smallish backs like Ray Rice and Steve Slaton. His problem will be the workload. Not a third down back or a role player, he's a runner who needs 25 carries and can be a workhorse. Now, it's doubtful anyone will ever think of him as a No. 1 back. – CFN.com”

I don’t know what’s sweeter; that Manningham won’t go in the first round, or that Hart may not even go on the first day. After all the loud-mouthing and constant crap flying out of his mouth, he’s still going to be remembered as a great college back. He’s a back that could will his team to victory—against everyone but Ohio State and three of four bowl game opponents—and pound out drives single handedly behind some of the best offensive linemen in college. But what will that get him? As of right now, not much; maybe he’ll get a nice paycheck every year, but no first-round dough, no instant starting job, and no pro-bowls. I’m not going to say that that last one is a lock, as other backs have defied all and made it to the all-star teams. What I will say is that for the last three seasons, Michigan hasn’t produced knockout pro-prospects the way it did for 35 years. In all seriousness though, I hope Hart and Manningham get playing time, so that they can meet the likes of true first-rounder Dan Connor, and Buffalo Bills starter Paul Posluszny. Have fun guys.

More below the fold...

Bednarik three-peat

He was a longshot, but shouldn't have been. I'm thankful that cooler heads prevailed when voting for the 2007 Bednarik Award, selecting Dan Connor as the nation's top defensive player. He deserved it. He probably would have won it last season, had it not been for Paul Posluszny.

OSU's James Laurinaitis was extremely overrated this season, the product of a monstrous marketing campaign by OSU and the national media. How good would he have been on a defense with less supporting talent? What if OSU lost 3-4 games? He wouldn't have even been in the conversation. He arguably wasn't even the best player on that awesome defense.

LSU's Glenn Dorsey has been the golden boy of the national media all season. Sure, he was hurt a few weeks ago, and hasn't played the same since. However, if Dorsey is just as good now, then why isn't Dennis Dixon still in the Heisman conversation? I don't buy the excuse, "well, if he didn't get hurt..." That's bull. He got hurt, HE isn't as good as he was in September and October. You're voting for his performance all season, not just before he was injured.

If Connor didn't win, it would have been a travesty. Feel good stories, NFL prospects and ifs and buts don't cut it when evaluating if a player is the best. Connor is the leading tackler at Linebacker U. Connor has made more tackles this season than the previous Bednarik winner did in his winning seasons. Connor came up huge in every game, even if the rest of the defense didn't. Way to go, Dan! You definately deserved it.

From GoPSUsports.com:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Penn State All-America linebacker Dan Connor has captured the Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player, giving "Linebacker U" its third consecutive recipient of the honor.

Connor was announced as the winner of the Bednarik Award tonight during the nationally televised Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards program at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk.

"The reason I went to Penn State is because it's Linebacker U," Connor told ESPN's Chris Fowler at the awards show. "To be even mentioned in the same breath as Jack Ham, Paul Posluszny, Shane Conlan, that's an unbelievable honor.

"Seeing Paul win this award gave me something to shoot for," Connor said to the media covering the event. "Meeting the other guys up for the award and talking to them has been great. It's a great honor. I'm hoping Sean (Lee) can keep it going next year because he's an unbelievable player."

Also a finalist for the Butkus Award, which will be presented Friday night in Orlando, Connor becomes the fourth Nittany Lion to win the Bednarik Award. He joins fellow linebackers LaVar Arrington (1999) and Paul Posluszny (2005 and '06) as recipients of the award, which has been presented by the Maxwell Football Club since 1995 in honor of former Philadelphia Eagles standout Chuck Bednarik.

The Bednarik Award will formally be presented to Connor at the Maxwell Football Club's Awards Dinner on March 7, 2008 at Harrah's Entertainment Complex in Atlantic City, N.J.

Connor also was selected to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America Team, the nation's oldest All-America team. He becomes Penn State's 91st first team All-America selection and the 14th Nittany Lion to earn first team All-America honors twice. He earned first team All-America honors from The Sporting News in 2006.


Connor becomes the 74th first-team All-America selection under Coach Joe Paterno. At least one Nittany Lion has been named an All-American in 37 of the 42 seasons Paterno has served as head coach.

The Nittany Lions' career tackle leader with 410 hits, also was one of three finalists for the 2006 Bednarik Award. Last year, "Linebacker U" became the first school to have a pair of Bednarik Award finalists.

A native of Wallingford, Pa., Connor previously was named a finalist for the 2007 Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker, and a semifinalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year. He also was a semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award and a candidate for the Nagurski Trophy and Lott Trophy.

The former Strath Haven High School All-American leads Penn State and the Big Ten with 136 tackles (66 solo) for an 11.3 per game average that ranks No. 7 in the nation. Connor's 136 tackles are No. 4 on the school season list He is second on the team and 10th in the Big Ten with 14.0 TFL for minus-61 yards. Connor is second on the team and 10th in the conference with 6.5 sacks (minus-50). He also has one interception, one fumble recovery and six pass break-ups.

Connor has 20 career double-digit tackle games, including eight this season. He became the Nittany Lions' career tackle leader against Purdue on Nov. 3, passing Posluszny, who made 372 stops from 2003-06.

Connor made a career-high 18 tackles against Ohio State on Oct. 27, the most by a Nittany Lion since Posluszny had 22 hits at Northwestern in 2005. He also grabbed an interception in Penn State territory and made one tackle for loss vs. the Buckeyes.

Playing near his hometown on Nov. 10, Connor tied his career-high with 18 stops in Penn State's 31-0 win over Temple. He recorded 10 tackles in the first quarter alone and had 1.5 sacks to earn Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. The Big Ten honor was the fourth of Connor's career. He also earned both honors after recording 12 hits in Penn State's 31-10 win over Notre Dame on Sept. 8.

Coach Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions completed the regular season with an 8-4 record and will face Texas A&M (7-5) in the Valero Alamo Bowl. The Nittany Lions' second Alamo Bowl appearance is Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET in the The Alamodome in San Antonio. Penn State will be playing in its 34th bowl game under Paterno, who is the all-time leader in bowl

More below the fold...

Next Butkus Winner... Lee?

Could it be that the best linebacker on the 2007 PSU football team is in fact not AA Dan Connor, but Sean Lee? It's a very tough call, but the junior LB is every bit as good as the senior captain, in terms of production on the field:

S. Lee- Tackles: 63; TFL: 5; Sack: 2; PD: 2; FF: 1; FR: 0.
D. Connor- Tk: 58; TFL: 8.5; Sack: 4; PD: 5; FF: 0; FR: 1.

I don't know about any of you, but those are award-consideration numbers. If Lee continues on this pace, he'll log 126 total tackles, and double everything else. That would be the highest single-season total since Ed O'Neil had 126 in 1972 and Brian Gelzheizer in 1994. (Both had 126).

Connor, on the other hand, can easily smash Paul Pozluszny's career record (372) with 390 if he continues at his current 2007 pace. He's already seventh on PSU's all-time tackles list. Remember, Connor missed the first three games of 2005, a season which he had 76 tackles in nine games.

This is just something that I've noticed lately, especially PSU's defense woke up on time against Iowa. I'm going to the Wisconsin game this week, so I expect to lose my voice by the end of the first quarter. I would expect nothing less from anyone else in attendance.

I expect to finally post my comments on this week's ZN Top 25 rankings. It was a crazy week, part of a crazy season. Could 2007 be the greatest season ever for college football? We'll leave that for another day.

More below the fold...