Since the Lions aren't going dancing in the tourney this year, there's nothing better to do, so let's keep looking at recruiting by assessing the Nittany Lion needs at linebacker with this class. First, a look at the 2007 roster.
Inside Linebackers
Jr - Dontey Brown - 6'2" 236
So - Jerome Hayes - 6'2" 236
rFr - Navarro Bowman - 6'1" 214
Fr - Chris Colasanti - 6'2" 227
Outside Linebackers
Sr - Dan Connor - 6'3" 225
Jr - Tyrell Sales - 6'2" 234
Jr - Sean Lee - 6'3" 222
rFr - Bani Gbadyu - 6'1" 206
Fr - Andrew Dailey - 6'2" 220
Fr - Nate Stupar - 6'2" 225
The Lions brought in three great freshmen linebackers this year in Stupar, Colasanti, and Dailey. With Bowman and Gbadyu redshirting that gives Penn State five linebackers with four years of eligibility. So it's safe to say we have a plan in place for when Connor, Lee, Brown, and Sales are gone.
But this spring could bring some changes. Hayes and Brown are fighting for the spot vacated by the graduation of Paul Posluszny. The loser of that group along with Sales and possibly Bowman may see the writing on the wall if they cannot move their way up the depth chart. Don't be surprised if one of these guys elects to transfer after spring practice to go somewhere they can get some playing time.
Given the wealth of linebacker talent in Pennsylvania and New Jersey this year combined with the fact that Gbadyu and Dailey might be better suited to play safety, I suspect Penn State will try to land one or two top notch linebackers with this class. So far the list of linebackers that have been offered by Penn State is very impressive.
Targets Under Consideration
Shayne Hale - 6'3" 218 - Monroeville, PA (offered)
Jon Major - 6'4" 230 - Parker, CO (offered)
Andrew Sweat - 6'2" 225 - Washington, PA (offered)
Christian Wilson - 6'3" 235 - McKees Rocks, PA ( offered)