In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at NittanyWhiteOut.  We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season.

Checking in at #47 is someone who’s came into the 2008 season as a starting linebacker, but found himself Wally Pipp-ed by Navorro Bowman: Bani Gbadyu.

Number: 11
Position: Outside Linebacker
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6′1
Weight: 228
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
How’d He Get Here: Gbadyu was one of the most highly sought-after linebacker prospects in the class of 2006, receiving 4 stars from Rivals (3 from Scout), and offers from such elite programs as Ohio State, Nebraska, Georgia, LSU, and Virginia Tech.  Larry Johnson was able to work his magic, however, and got the Marylander to commit to Penn State.
2008 Results: After a redshirt season in 2006 and a 2007 campaign that saw him mostly on the sidelines, Gbadyu was named the starter at outside linebacker before the 2008 season.  He started the first three games, but the coaching staff saw something in his backup, Navorro Bowman, and gave him the starting nod against Temple.  All Bowman did that game was tally 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and an interception, and take away Gbadyu’s starting job on the way.  Playing in mostly spot duty after that, Gbadyu tallied 25 tackles (13 solo) and 1 interception over the 2009 season.
What to Expect in 2009: Due to some academic issues, Gbadyu was left behind from the Rose Bowl trip, and some speculated that he had landed himself in Joe Paterno’s doghouse.  While it’s difficult to discuss the validity of such rumors, it’s not tough to see how a player could become disgruntled by the events of last season.  In 2009, Gbadyu will be pushed even further down the depth chart, with emerging players like Nathan Stupar and Michael Mauti potentially pushing their way past the redshirt junior.  Still, Penn State will certainly look to cycle through their linebacking corps to keep all parties fresh, and so Gbadyu should see plenty of the field this season.
Random Facts: For one, Gbadyu was born in Liberia.  Also, although his academic issues kept him from visiting beautiful Los Angeles, Gbadyu is a Dean’s List honoree.
The Final Word: You know why Penn State is Linebacker U?  Because of players like Bani Gbadyu.  When he was merely adequate as a starter last year, Penn State had someone waiting in the wings.  Now, whenever a player who has starting experience is 4th or 5th on the depth chart, especially when he’s a player who came in with as much tout as Gbadyu did, it’s clear that the depth at that position is phenomenal.  Of course, this is certainly the case for Penn State.  If Gbadyu steps up, he could be the backup for Bowman and, presumably, Michael Mauti on the other side.  If he doesn’t prove himself, he could find himself not only behind Bowman and Mauti, but Nate Stupar and Josh Hull, too.

Releated Posts:

1. Counting Down the Lions: #5
2. Position Profile: Linebacker
3. Spring Position Profiles: Linebacker
4. Counting Down the Lions: #3

Tweet