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Penn State football: 10 Nittany Lions who defined Linebacker U

By Josh Yourish

5 Sep 1998: Outside linebacker LaVar Arrington #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action during a game against the Southern Mississippi State Golden Eagles at the Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions defeated the Golden
5 Sep 1998: Outside linebacker LaVar Arrington #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action during a game against the Southern Mississippi State Golden Eagles at the Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions defeated the Golden /
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Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Penn State Nittany Lions logo inside Beaver Stadium prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Penn State Nittany Lions logo inside Beaver Stadium prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Penn State defeated Iowa 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Penn State: 1967-69

NFL: 1970

You could argue that Onkotz was the first founder of Linebacker U. He was a two-time All-American in 1968 and 1969 on back-to-back 11-0 teams that won the Orange Bowl and finished second in the country. He led the team in tackles in each of those seasons and had 11 interceptions in his career.

Onkotz is also a part of a long line of unconventional and multi-talented linebackers. He was not just the heart of Penn State’s defense, but was also the team’s punt returner. On 47 career punt returns he averaged 13.2 yards.

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