DraftSeason: Dan, first off, how much will you miss now NFL
Linebackers, Tim Shaw and Paul Posluszny this year?
Dan: Losing Tim and Paul is a big hit to our defense but coach Vanderlinden does an amazing job at developing linebackers here so a few new names are going to come onto the scene at linebacker. We also have sean Lee
returning who is a great player who has flown somewhat under the radar so far, but will really make his mark this season.
DraftSeason: What would you say is your greatest strength as a linebacker and what area do you need to work on?
Dan: It's always tough to evaluate your strengths but I feel good about my football instincts and toughness. My dad was a coach, and both of my brothers played college football, so I've been around football my whole life which has given me a great advantage. I need to work on making more plays in the passing game with PBUs and INTs.
DraftSeason: Penn St. has a long list of stud linebackers that have come and gone, where do you feel you rank on the list of all time Nittany Lions?
Dan: I don't see myself among the tops yet. There's great tradition at Penn State at the linebacker position so I have a lot of work before I could say I rank among some of the great ones.
DraftSeason: Did you ever consider declaring for the NFL Draft after your junior year?
Dan: I looked into leaving early a little after the season with my family and sent in my info to the draft advisory board, but after talking to my coaches, family and friends I decided it would be best to stick around for another year and get a chance to play the middle linebacker and try to take Penn State to the top of college football.
DraftSeason: Time to you put you on the spot. You and fellow Big Ten linebacker James Laurinaitis are considered the top 2 linebackers in the nation, who do you feel is the better overall player?
Dan: James is a great player and a great guy. I love watching him play because hes a hard nosed player with a great nose for the football. As far as comparing who's better thats up to you sportswriters to pick. I will say there is a number of great linebackers in college football this year so we'll have to wait and see how the season plays out.
DraftSeason: You have had the chance to play against some great players at Penn St, who has been the overall best player you have faced?
Dan: Joe Thomas, Mike Hart, and Levi Brown are three of the best players I've played against since I've been here. All three are great athletes and tough football players and it's been a great experience to play against them because I consider them to the best college football has to offer.
DraftSeason: How do you like to keep yourself busy off the
football field?
Dan: I play guitar, listen to music, and watch a ton of baseball, mainly the Philadelphia Phillies.
DraftSeason: Finally Dan, what will you miss most about playing
for Penn St.?
Dan: I'll miss the fans and being able to be coached by Ron Vanderlinden the most. Having 110,000 fans at each game is something that you cant put into words. The support and energy they give makes our team who we are each game. Coach Vanderlinden is the best coach in the nation in my eyes and has produced a large number of great linebackers. He's a guy I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life.
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