LaVar Arrington II, a linebacker recruit from Maryland, has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps by committing to Penn State. The younger Arrington had offers from Tennessee and UCLA but ultimately decided to join the Nittany Lions. As a 3-star recruit, he sought advice from his father, a former NFL player who was the second overall pick in the 2000 draft.
LaVar Arrington II acknowledged that his father’s guidance was helpful in making his decision. “Having him helps me with making a decision,” he said. “He not only went through what I went through but he is smart and has a football mind too, so it is not like he is pressuring me to go to Penn State or anything like that. This is strictly my decision.” At 46, LaVar Arrington had a successful NFL career, playing for Washington and the Giants and earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro second team honors.
In college, LaVar Arrington was a dominant force, earning unanimous All-American honors in 1999 and winning prestigious awards such as the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award, and the Jack Lambert Trophy. The Arrington family legacy continues at Penn State with the younger Arrington’s commitment to the university.