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Penn State has had 226 Academic All-Big Ten honorees since 1993, the most of any conference team. Linebacker Chris Colasanti joined the Nittany Lion recipients in 2008 and continued to build on his academic success by compiling a 3.54 grade-point average during the spring semester for Dean's List honors. A physical, strong and intelligent player, Colasanti will be ready in preseason camp to continue the progress he has made in his initial two years in the program. Colasanti battled Josh Hull for the starting assignment at middle linebacker throughout last season and he is anxious to challenge the incumbent and take on a more significant role for "Linebacker U." Playing in every game on defense and special teams last year, the agile, intense and hard-hitting Colasanti made 16 tackles. A two-time first-team all-state selection at Brother Rice HS, Colasanti was one of just two true freshmen to play for the Nittany Lions in 2007. A highly-skilled and instinctive student-athlete with a promising future, Colasanti is an outstanding student, earning Dean's List recognition in three of his initial four semesters. Colasanti had a 3.60 cumulative GPA after the spring semester and will be another Nittany Lion with strong credentials for ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® consideration. He is one of three Nittany Lions from Michigan.
2008 Sophomore Season
Colasanti battled Josh Hull for the starting assignment at middle linebacker throughout the season, playing in every game on defense and special teams. Colasanti made 16 tackles (8 solo). He tallied a career-best four hits in the win at Syracuse and two stops each against Coastal Carolina, Illinois and Iowa. Colasanti ended the regular-season with two tackles in the 49-18 win over Michigan State, helping hold Javon Ringer to 42 rushing yards. Colasanti was named to the 2008 Academic All-Big Ten team, having earned Dean's List recognition in three of his initial four semesters.
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.
Colasanti's 2008 Game-by-Game
Tackles (Total-Solo-Assists)
Coastal Carolina 2-1-1; Oregon State 1-1-0; Syracuse 4-2-2; Temple 0-0-0; Illinois 2-0-2; Purdue 0-0-0 ; Wisconsin 1-1-0; Michigan 0-0-0 ; Ohio State 1-0-1; Iowa 2-1-1; Indiana 1-1-0; Michigan State 2-1-1; USC 0-0-0.
