Wednesday, December 29 Mother says Arrington is going pro
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO -- LaVar Arrington, who helped lead Penn State
to an Alamo Bowl victory, appears ready to leave school a year
early for the NFL.
The junior All-American and winner of the Butkus Award as the
nation's top linebacker is expected to announce soon if he will
enter the draft in April.
His mother, Carolyn Arrington, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
her son will say this week he is leaving Penn State. She said the
announcement will come at his high school -- North Hills High School
in Pittsburgh.
Penn State coach Joe Paterno said Wednesday he has spoken with
Arrington.
"Obviously, I hope he comes back," he said. "But I want him
to do what's best for him."
Arrington had 14 tackles as No. 13 Penn State defeated No. 18
Texas A&M 24-0 in the Alamodome on Tuesday. He also played a part
in causing three of the four interceptions thrown by Aggies
quarterback Randy McCown.
"I've got to have one last sit-down with my family before I
really make my decision yet," Arrington said Tuesday night.
Whatever the decision, Paterno thinks highly of Arrington and
his prospects.
"Oh, I like LaVar. If you don't like LaVar you just don't like
people," Paterno said. "He's just a marvelous person, and
obviously a great football player."
Penn State finished the year with a 10-3 record. The Nittany
Lions started the year 9-0 and had a No. 2 ranking before their
national title hopes were swept away with three straight losses.
