Chris Colasanti Class: Junior Hometown: Leonard, Mich. High School: Brother Rice Height / Weight: 6-2 / 235 Position: LB Experience: JR H.S. Coach: Albert Fracassa

A pair of mid-season injuries depleted the Nittany Lions' depth and sped up the collegiate debut of linebacker Chris Colasanti. A two-time first-team all-state selection in Michigan, Colasanti made his debut in the Nittany Lions' 38-7 win over No. 19 Wisconsin and was one of just two true freshmen to play in 2007. A highly skilled and hard-hitting athlete, Colasanti emerged as the top reserve to All-America middle linebacker Dan Connor last year. With Sean Lee likely to miss the 2008 season, Colasanti likely will battle Josh Hull for the starting assignment in the middle. The instinctive and intelligent Colasanti is a promising player who should be a significant contributor the next three seasons at "Linebacker U." An outstanding student, Colasanti earned Dean's List recognition each of his first two semesters, compiling a 3.58 grade-point average through the spring. He should be an Academic All-Big Ten candidate this year and a possible Academic All-America candidate.

2007 Freshman Season
Colasanti and guard Stefen Wisniewski were the only true freshmen to play in 2007. Colasanti made his debut in the Nittany Lions' 38-7 win over No. 19 Wisconsin. He played in the last seven games on defense and special teams, recording three tackles, all against Ohio State. He saw action on 48 snaps, topped by 12 against Ohio State. Colasanti earned Dean's List recognition each of his first two semesters.

High School
Colasanti was a two-time first-team all-state selection for Coach Albert Fracassa at Brother Rice HS. As a senior, he made a team-high 106 tackles and seven sacks. Playing fullback, he rushed for 115 yards on just 16 carries. Colasanti also earned first-team all-metro honors, was named to the Detroit Free Press Dream Team and was ranked No. 5 in the Free Press Super 10. He also was a three-time All-Catholic Conference team honoree.

Personal
Full name is Christopher Angelo Colasanti. He is enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development. Born November 15, 1988.