College Football
Wednesday, December 29
Mother says Arrington is going pro
Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO -- LaVar Arrington, who helped lead Penn State to an Alamo Bowl victory, appears ready to leave school a year early for the NFL.

The junior All-American and winner of the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker is expected to announce soon if he will enter the draft in April.

His mother, Carolyn Arrington, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette her son will say this week he is leaving Penn State. She said the announcement will come at his high school -- North Hills High School in Pittsburgh.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno said Wednesday he has spoken with Arrington.

"Obviously, I hope he comes back," he said. "But I want him to do what's best for him."

Arrington had 14 tackles as No. 13 Penn State defeated No. 18 Texas A&M 24-0 in the Alamodome on Tuesday. He also played a part in causing three of the four interceptions thrown by Aggies quarterback Randy McCown.

"I've got to have one last sit-down with my family before I really make my decision yet," Arrington said Tuesday night.

Whatever the decision, Paterno thinks highly of Arrington and his prospects.

"Oh, I like LaVar. If you don't like LaVar you just don't like people," Paterno said. "He's just a marvelous person, and obviously a great football player."

Penn State finished the year with a 10-3 record. The Nittany Lions started the year 9-0 and had a No. 2 ranking before their national title hopes were swept away with three straight losses.

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