Penn State Football News

January 12, 2007

All-American Connor Returning to Penn State For Senior Season

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., January 12, 2007 – All-America linebacker Dan Connor today announced he will remain at Penn State for his senior season.

“We gave it some thought and explored options, but it wasn’t what I wanted right now,” Connor said. “This team is very close to getting some things done and I want to help make it happen. If things work out right, the NFL opportunity will be there. You’re only a college senior once. I’m looking forward to next season.”

Connor is a Criminal Law & Justice major and on schedule to graduate next year. His parents, James and Carol, are educators and very pleased with the decision. “We were curious about the next level, but Dan’s heart was always with the team and being back on campus,” said James Connor.

A two-year starter, Dan Connor will be looked to for leadership and a continuation of his highly productive play for a defense that loses All-Americans Paul Posluszny and Jay Alford, as well as rush end Tim Shaw.

Connor emerged as one of the nation’s premier linebackers this past season, earning first team All-America honors by The Sporting News and second-team accolades by the Associated Press. The Wallingford, Pa., native was one of three finalists for the Bednarik Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s top defensive player. Posluszny captured the honor for the second consecutive year.

Connor is the 13th linebacker at “Linebacker U” to earn first team All-America honors under Joe Paterno.

Source: Penn State Sports Information Department