Chris Colasanti Class: Senior Hometown: Leonard, Mich. High School: Brother Rice Height / Weight: 6-2 / 241 Position: LB Experience: SR H.S. Coach: Albert Fracassa

The Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award has only been in existence since 1995 but already has been presented to many notable Nittany Lion juniors who display a total commitment to academic pursuits, off-season preparation, in-season commitment and community service. Named for the long-time Penn State assistant coach, Jeff Hartings, Wally Richardson, Mike McQueary, Courtney Brown, Justin Kurpeikis, Zack Mills, Bryan Scott, Jeremy Boone, Josh Hull and Brett Brackett are among the previous recipients. This past spring, the coaching staff selected linebacker Chris Colasanti to join this distinctive list, along with tight end Andrew Szczerba. A physical, strong and intelligent player, Colasanti is looking forward to preseason camp and an opportunity to earn a starting assignment at "Linebacker U." He did not play in the first two games of the 2009 campaign as the coaching staff considered a redshirt season, but early-season injuries to Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee brought the hard-hitting and instinctive linebacker back to the field against Temple. The coaching staff is counting on the talented and experienced Colasanti to continue to provide consistently productive play for the defense and special teams. A two-time first-team all-state selection at Brother Rice HS, he finished spring drills atop the depth chart at middle linebacker. The agile, intense and hard-working Colasanti was one of two true freshmen to play for the Nittany Lions in 2007. An outstanding student-athlete, Colasanti is one of the squad's most active members in community service. Colasanti had a 3.58 cumulative grade-point average after the spring and will be another Nittany Lion with strong credentials for ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® consideration. He has earned Dean's List recognition in five of his initial six semesters and is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He spent a portion of his summer as an intern at Penn State Orthopaedics.

2009 Junior Season
Colasanti did not play in the first two games as the coaching staff considered a redshirt season, but early-season injuries to Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee brought him back to the field. Playing in the final 11 contests, he made 18 total tackles (nine solo), serving as the top reserve at middle linebacker. Colasanti made a career-high six stops against Eastern lllinois, including his first career sack. He also made solo stops in the wins at Michigan and Northwestern. Colasanti added three important stops in the 19-17 Capital One Bowl victory over LSU. Colasanti was on the field for 196 snaps, led by 28 against Ohio State and 26 in the win at 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.