Penn State Nittany Lions: Paul Posluszny, Mike Reid, LaVar Arrington, John Cappelletti
While the Penn State Nittany Lions program has had its fair share of low points, there is no doubt it is one of the more decorated programs in the history of college football. The winners of two national titles, Penn State has produced 42 All-Americans, one Heisman winner, and nearly 900 wins.
Paul Posluszny
During his time as the star on the Penn State defense, Paul Posluszny was one of the more dominating linebackers we have seen in a long time. A two-time All-American, Posluszny twice won the Chuck Bednarik Award, became the first junior to be named captain in 40 years, and won the 2005 College Football Defensive Player of the Year award. He was an absolute monster for the Nittany Lions.
Mike Reid
While Mike Reid would go on to be a very successful singer, it was his exploits as a punishing defensive player for the Nittany Lions that land him on our Mount Rushmore. Reid was the catalyst on a Penn State defense that went a perfect 22-0 during the 1968 and 1969 NCAA seasons, serving as the team captain. As a senior, Reid finished fifth in the Heisman voting, while winning the Maxwell and Outland Trophies.
LaVar Arrington
There have been few players in the history of college football that could dominate a game quite like LaVar Arrington could during his time in Happy Valley. A two-time All-American, Arrington was a freakish athlete for coach Joe Paterno, two making Big Ten honors, and taking home the 1999 Butkus, Bednarik, and Walter Camp Awards. He left after his junior year, but he certainly left his mark on the program.
John Cappelletti
The only Penn State Nittany Lion to ever win the Heisman Trophy, John Cappelletti began his college career on the defensive side of the ball before moving over to the offense and becoming a legend. During his magical 1973 NCAA season, Cappelletti not only won the Heisman but also the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards, earning All-American status. His No. 22 has been retired by the school.