Tuesday, December 28 Paterno believes Arrington should stay
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO -- Penn State coach Joe Paterno said Monday
he'll meet with linebacker LaVar Arrington soon after the Alamo
Bowl to discuss the player's career plans.
Arrington, a junior, has said he may opt to enter the NFL after
this season. The All-American is the winner of the Butkus Award and
other postseason honors.
He had 72 tackles for Penn State this season, including nine
sacks. He had one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble
recoveries, two blocked kicks and six pass break-ups.
After suffering a shoulder injury that kept him out of the last
regular-season game, Arrington is expected to play Tuesday night
when No. 13 Penn State faces No. 18 Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl.
Arrington told reporters Sunday in San Antonio he was still
undecided about whether to turn pro and that he hasn't spoken with
Paterno about his decision.
Deciding whether to return to Penn State next year is a choice
Arrington must make for himself, Paterno said.
"LaVar obviously is going to have a very difficult decision.
He's going to be one of the top five picks or six picks in the
draft, and I think it would be difficult for me to say, 'LaVar,
come on back and make me look good,' " Paterno said.
Paterno said he hopes Arrington finishes his college degree.
"He's a very articulate, bright kid who some day can be very,
very successful. But I think he's a little bit immature and needs a
little bit more education," Paterno said.
"I'll talk to him, as soon as we get back home," the coach
said.
