Senior Tribute: Mike Farrell

Mike Farrell had a senior season to remember. He was the best offensive tackle on the team, and took on the hardest challenge head on: Farrell flipped between left and right tackle for the Lions, usually in the same game, sometimes in the same quarter, and, possibly once or twice, in the same drive.

That can't be an easy thing to do. The footwork is completely mirrored.

But Farrell did it, and did it well. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, though. Mike earned his first career start in 2010 against the Hoosiers, at FedEx Field, while seeing time in five other games that season. At the end of it, he'd earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. Mike's playing time grew significantly in 2011, primarily as the third tackle, though he frequently split time with Chima Okoli. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors that season, too.

As a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (yes - count 2012 as well), Mike got the job done off the field. He graduated this Fall with a 3.41 GPA, majoring in Secondary Education. But that's just in the classroom. Beyond that, Mike served an internship as a student teacher for the State College Area School District. And he served as President of Uplifting Athletes for the past two seasons.

Senior leadership? In spades. The former 2-star recruit (good call, fellas) from Shady Side Academy worked hard and earned it, every step of the way. What better example could be set for the Penn State Way? Thank you, Mike. You'll be missed.

And by the way - Mike Farrell is cool enough to nab the single greatest Twitter handle in the tweeter-verse. You can follow him @MikeHancho78, where he's like a shape-shifter, or a changeling, between warning folks about packs of wild dogs that are taking over most of the major cities in the United States. He wakes up in the morning and pisses excellence.

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