Penn State's rich linebacking tradition may have the next "big thing" ready and waiting. Michael Mauti, a redshirt junior, has been fighting injuries since 2009, but he's finally healthy and seems primed to follow in some pretty big footsteps.
Mauti said the expectations are an "incentive" to keep working hard. He managed 7 starts a year ago as he struggled with ankle and knee ailments. Now healthy, he'll be expected to key the Nittany Lions rush defense and make plays sideline to sideline this year.