Penn State's Navorro Bowman Is the Best Linebacker in America

The faithful in Happy Valley are excited for the upcoming season because linebacker Sean Lee will be returning after shredding his knee a year ago.

Sean Lee, often considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in school history, is expected to lead “Linebacker U” to another run at the Rose Bowl, but he will be cast into the shadow of Navorro Bowman, the best linebacker in America.

Bowman compares favorably to former Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry. He is quick off of the snap, flips his hips well, can cover and contribute against the run.

Bowman will make his mark blitzing in 2009 since Sean Lee will be back to cover the middle of the defense.

By placing Bowman on the edge as a pass rusher, Penn State fans will have the opportunity to see him accumulate 20 or more tackles for a loss in 2009.

In 2008, Bowman’s stat line was off of the charts: 16.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 2 fumbles forced, and 1 interception. He was also honored on the All-Big Ten defensive first team. To suggest that he can not improve on this is insane.

Comparisons to the great pass rushers to hail from Happy Valley are abound. Aside from living with former Nittany Lion and 2009 first round pick defensive end Aaron Maybin, Navorro Bowman has developed a friendship with former Penn State LB and NFL Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington.

Despite his achievements and quality of play, Bowman does have some shortcomings.

He was involved in a fight in 2007, on campus, which resulted in misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges. Bowman is still on probation from that incident.

At 6′1″, 228 pounds, and with his incredible athleticism, Bowman will continue to earn respect on a national level.

In less than seven months, the people of America will be crowning Navorro Bowman as the best linebacker in the nation.