Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

The Top Five All-Time Penn State Linebackers

By Shane Lunnen

Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Jan 27, 1991; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) throws the ball while center Bart Oates (65) and guard Eric Moore (60) block Buffalo Bills linebacker Shane Conlan (58) and nose tackle Jeff Wright (91) during Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium. The Giants defeated the Bills 19-20. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 1991; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) throws the ball while center Bart Oates (65) and guard Eric Moore (60) block Buffalo Bills linebacker Shane Conlan (58) and nose tackle Jeff Wright (91) during Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium. The Giants defeated the Bills 19-20. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

Shane Conlan

One of the few Nittany Lions to appear in two national championship games, at number four is Shane Conlan.

Conlan had the build of a prototypical linebacker, yet he was relatively unknown coming out of high school.  His career at Penn State was very successful.  He earned back to back All-American honors in 1985 and 1986.  In 1986 he led the team in tackles with 79.

In the 1987 Fiesta Bowl vs Miami, Conlan had eight tackles and two interceptions, the second returned 38 yards to set up D.J Dozier’s game winning touchdown to seal the national championship.  Conlan also was a Butkus Award finalist in 1986.

Conlan was drafted eight overall in the 1987 NFL Draft.  In 2014, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Next: Number Five Greg Buttle

Home/Penn State Football