18 defensive linemen/linebackers make up Penn State’s 41 consensus All-Americans.
The latest is Abdul Carter, switching from linebacker to defensive line and positioning himself to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
One All-American was coached by another, with the latter earning a promotion on Penn State’s defensive staff.
According to the PSU directory, defensive analyst and former linebacker Dan Connor has been promoted to linebackers coach.
Penn State Football has been promoted Dan Connor (@Coachdanconnor) to full time Linebackers coach per the staff directory.
The Former All-American is now in charge of Linebacker-U! pic.twitter.com/YEmsb2T7fP
— Penn State Nittany Lions | Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) February 26, 2025
A 2007 All-American linebacker, Connor has been a member of Penn State’s coaching staff since 2022.
The Carolina Panthers picked Connor in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft following four years in college. Connor totaled 334 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles through 44 games, including bowls.
Connor also won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 after finishing career bests in tackles (145), tackles for loss (15), and sacks (6.5).
He played six seasons in the NFL, starting 27 of 62 games including 11 with the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Connor finished his NFL career with 216 tackles, 14 TFLs, and both one sack and fumble recovery.
Connor, 39, is a Wallingford, PA native and spent the majority of his career as a middle linebacker. Connor’s promotion places him in an official capacity as a positional coach in charge of the linebacker room.
He’ll now have the chance to further work with linebackers Tony Rojas, Dominic DeLuca, Ta’Mere Robinson, and others on James Franklin’s staff. Penn State hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles as DC following Tom Allen’s departure to Clemson. The Nittany Lions finished 2024 13-3 and have their eyes set on winning a national championship in 2025 for the first time in 39 years.
