‘Joe Paterno Would Have Loved My Son’: LaVar Arrington on Penn State’s Newest Linebacker
LaVar Arrington is a name synonymous with Penn State Football greatness, and now, his son, LaVar Arrington II, is set to carry on that legacy.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Nittany Central, the elder Arrington shared insights into his son’s future at Penn State, painting a picture of a young man poised to make a significant impact on the field.
“Joe [Paterno] would have loved my son,” Arrington told NittanyCentral during a wide-ranging conversation. “He would have loved him. My son is almost the total antithesis of who I am.”
Unlike his father, who was known for his larger-than-life personality, Lavar II prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
“He doesn’t want the camera in his face,” Arrington noted. “But when he’s on the field, he’s a hunter. He hunts.”
What Lavar Arrington II Adds for Penn State Football’s Future
Arrington II’s decision to commit to Penn State is a significant win for the Nittany Lions, given his status as a 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker and three-star prospect from Covina, California.
Choosing Penn State Football over offers from prominent programs like Tennessee, UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State highlights the program’s enduring appeal and ability to attract top talent from across the country.
Arrington II’s commitment not only strengthens Penn State’s linebacker corps but also reinforces the program’s legacy of producing elite defensive players, a tradition that dates back to his father’s legendary career. His decision underscores Penn State’s national reach and its reputation as a premier destination for linebackers who aspire to make a mark on the college football stage.
At just 17 years old, LaVar Arrington II is already showing signs of surpassing his father’s accomplishments at the same age.
“He’s much further along than me, at his age, than I was at mine,” Arrington admitted.
The younger Arrington’s dedication to studying the game sets him apart
. “He’s cerebral. He’s a student of the game. His two vices are playing video games, and he watches film. And, he watches film of himself, he watches film of old players,” Arrington shared.
Lavar II’s commitment to understanding the history and nuances of football, particularly at Penn State, has given him a unique edge.
Nicknamed “ManMan” by his father, Lavar II’s playing style is often compared to another Penn State great, Courtney Brown.
“We called Courtney RoboCop,” Arrington says. “I think ManMan’s approach is more like a cyborg, like half-man and half-machine,” Arrington described. Unlike his father’s raw emotion on the field, LaVar II is methodical and precise. “Man’s more like do-do-do-do, target locked, target gone.”
LaVar Arrington II’s speed and suddenness on the field have left his father in awe.
“He’s fast. And he’s sudden. So, it’s like, I’m gone, I’m there, boom. He’s a woo-licker. He hits people, and people stand and go ‘woooo,’” Arrington said with pride. Despite his smaller stature compared to Courtney Brown, LaVar II possesses a combination of intelligence, speed, and power that makes him a force to be reckoned with.
As Penn State fans eagerly await Lavar Arrington II’s arrival on campus, it’s clear that his commitment to the program is more than just another signing. It’s the continuation of a legacy, one that could see Penn State continue the chain of elite linebacker play from Arrington to Micah Parsons, Abdul Carter, and so many legends at the position in between.
With his early graduation and plans to enroll at Penn State ahead of schedule, LaVar Arrington II is ready to write his own chapter in the storied history of Penn State football. And like his father before him, he’s poised to leave a lasting mark on the game.
MORE: Predicting Penn State’s Starting Lineup on Defense in 2024
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
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