Yesterday for day 12 we highlighted a play making quarterback from the west coast. Now today for day 11, we’ll be highlighting one of the best linebackers of the 90’s from a school that produces great linebackers.
LaVar Arrington was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and played high school football and basketball at North Hills Senior High School. He was recruited to play college hoops by UMass, Georgetown, North Carolina.
While Arrington stood out on the hardwood, he was even better on the gridiron. He decided to play college football for his home state Nittany Lions at Penn State for legendary ball coach, Joe Paterno. He played there from 1997 to 1999.
In 1997, Arrington didn’t make a huge impact for the Nittany Lions, but the next few seasons were massive ones for the Pittsburgh native.
For the 1998 season, Arrington really broke out and had a decorated sophomore campaign. His efforts earned him Big Ten Co Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All American, and was First Team All Big Ten.
In 1999, Arrington won about every defensive award under the sun. He was once again First Team All American and First Team All Big Ten while also winning the Butkus Award, Bednarik Award, and Lambert Award.
His number eleven carried a great legacy as the new Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons rocked eleven while at Penn State.
Arrington was drafted second overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He was named Second Team All Pro two times with the skins.
Tomorrow as we finish up the teens, we’ll be highlighting a fast and furious pass rusher that played college ball in south eastern Texas.