Only Sean Lee Until Penn State Football

Before breaking my heart by becoming a Dallas Cowboy, Sean Lee was next in line at Linebacker U. Only a three star recruit out of Pittsburgh, Lee broke into the lineup early--he made his Penn State debut as a true freshman in the 2005 classic whiteout win over Ohio State. He started every game as a true sophomore, ending the year third on the squad in tackles, and had an absolutely monster junior season in 2007--finishing that year second in the Big Ten in tackles, and being named second team All-Big Ten.

He was poised to have an even bigger 2008 when an ACL tear in spring practice sidelined him, and he became another coach on the field for that Big Ten Championship season; the team even brought him to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, where he wore a headset and carried a clipboard, as he did every other game.

His return to the field in 2009 was much anticipated, as he was an integral part of the team:

I mean, he was Sean Lee, for heaven's sake.

His 2009 wasn't as strong as 2007, as he was forced to sit three games due to lingering injuries, but he did end the year with 86 tackles (39 solo) in the middle, alongside NaVorro Bowman. He parlayed his innate football intelligence and intensity into being drafted in the second round, 55th overall, in 2010, where he's had some pretty darn attractive interceptions.