Paul Posluszny

The Man

A middle linebacker out of Aliquippa High School in Pittsburgh, Poz became the first Penn State junior captain since the 60s. He left Penn State the leading tackler in school history, and anchored a Penn State defense that transformed the team’s dismal first half of the 2000’s into conference and Orange Bowl championships in 2005.

The Math

Senior year:

• 116 tackles (9.5 for loss)
• 3 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles
• 372 career tackles
• Butkus Award winner
• 2-time Bednarik Award winner
• 2-time consensus All-American
• 3.57 GPA with a B.S. in Finance

The Legend

Posluszny’s leadership and exemplary play helped reverse the direction of Penn State’s football program, following up a combined 26-33 in 2000-2004 with a record of 20-5 in 2005-6. Jack Ham said Posluszny was the greatest linebacker ever to play at Penn State.

Life After State

A second-round pick to Buffalo, he started at middle linebacker right away and was named a captain. After signing with Jacksonville in 2011, Poz made the Pro Bowl in the 2013 season.