The elephant in the room is that LaVar Arrington Jr. is the son of one of the greatest Penn State players ever.
As unfair as it arguably is, articles that extensively talk about the younger Arrington will reference the older Arrington.
There are some who even feel that the only reason Arrington is at Penn State is because of his dad, and those people are wrong.
What becomes of Arringtonโs college career remains to be seen. But people donโt become blue-chip recruits on accident, and Arrington earned his way to Penn State through what he did at the high school level.
Regardless of whether his name is Lavar Arrington Jr. or Frank Sinatra Jr., the kid can play, and thatโs why heโs at Penn State.
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212 poundsย
Hometown: Annapolis, Marylandย
Before Penn State:ย Arrington comes to Penn State after a standout career at Californiaโs Charter Oak High School. As a junior, he ended the season with 65 tackles, 12 sacks, nine QB hurries and one interception. The year before that, he picked up 62 tackles, three tackles for loss and four QB hurries. A four-star recruit, Arrington committed to Penn State on the Fourth of July next summer.
Where he stands:ย Penn Stateโs depth at linebacker is solid enough to where, barring injury, Arrington probably wonโt have to play a ton in 2025. But, as this picture shows, he isnโt like most freshmen.
A quote by Arrington:ย “It’s definitely not easy. I have to work as hard as everybody else. It’s not just my name that got me there. I have to work hard, and ultimately it paid off. … As a little kid, the goal I’ve always had for myself is to make it to Penn State, and now that it’s finally happening, it doesn’t even feel real.”
A quote about Arrington:ย “To watch your development from last year to this year, I think you’re one of the most improved players in the country. And we think you’re coming at the perfect time, because your trajectory is just through the roof right now.” โ James Franklin to Arrington on Signing Day 2024.
