Only Josh Hull Days Until Penn State Football

Through the years of Penn State football, we’ve been blessed by a plethora of talent wearing the number 43. Some of the players considered for today’s vaunted position of Days Until included such notable names as Brandon Short, Adam Taliaferro, Michael Zordich Sr, Al Gursky, and Mike Hull (even simply saying “only the Hulls until Penn State football” was considered).

Ultimately, the choice came down to facial hair.

Before growing out his admirable ‘stache, Josh Hull joined the Penn State football team as an in-state walk-on in 2005. He redshirted his first season in Happy Valley, and saw some backup and special teams time the next two seasons.

In 2008, though, he saw his star rise. The preseason injury to presumed starter (and fellow days-until star) Sean Lee provided Hull with an opportunity that he took full advantage of, playing next to future all-pro NaVorro Bowman—and finishing that Big Ten Championship season second on the team in tackles, only to Bowman. That season, Hull was the recipient of the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar award and an academic all-American.

Headed into his final season at Penn State, Hull’s breakout season was overshadowed by the return of Lee, and the trio of linebackers in that 2009 year (Bowman-Lee-Hull) proved too much for most teams to deal with. Despite the return of Lee, Hull led the team in tackles in 2009 with 116 (45 solo), over 20 more than Bowman and 30 more than Lee.

A last minute invite to the combine, Hull was eventually drafted second to last in the 2010 draft by the Rams, where he played for three seasons.

Just 43 days left!