Only Chris Harrell Until Penn State Football

This hard-hitting, but soft-spoken safety last played for Penn State during the 2005 season. During the campaign that ended with the Nittany Lions winning a share of the Big Ten title, Chris Harrell recorded 88 tackles and an interception on the way to earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention.

It was a great year for Harrell, who wasn’t on the NFL radar after missing the entire 2004 season with a neck injury. The Cleveland native didn’t get drafted into the NFL upon graduating, but he did stand out enough to get a free agent deal from Arizona in 2006 and Miami in 2007. Harrell also spent time in NFL Europe, but he’ll be most remembered for being a big part of Penn State’s stingy 2005 defense.

Back in his playing days, Harrell was a lot like Marcus Allen, whose physicality will be missed by this year’s Penn State team. Perhaps veteran utility man Nick Scott can step up and become the next intimidating Nittany Lion safety.

Only 27 days until Penn State beats Appalachian State!