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The Nittany Lions return a quartet of players that have started games for "Linebacker U." Redshirt junior Bani Gbadyu started the first three games of 2008 at one of the outside linebacker spots and played in 10 games. A strong, mobile and multi-talented member of the defensive corps, Gbadyu made three tackles and intercepted a pass against Coastal Carolina in his first career start. He would go on to produce 25 tackles, including three minus-yardage hits, last season. A first-team all-state selection at Quince Orchard HS, Gbadyu is a highly-skilled, instinctive and experienced player who should again be an important member of the linebacker rotation and the special teams. Gbadyu is the second Nittany Lion this decade to have matriculated to Nittany Valley from Liberia, joining Tamba Hali, who earned All-America honors in helping Penn State win the 2005 Big Ten Championship. Gbadyu is one of five returning Maryland prep standouts on the Nittany Lion roster.
2008 Junior Season
Playing in 10 games, Gbadyu started the first three contests at outside linebacker. He made 25 tackles, three of which were for minus-six yards, grabbed one interception and knocked down another pass. In his first career start, he made three tackles and grabbed his first career interception against Coastal Carolina. Gbadyu made four stops in the 45-14 win over Oregon State. He made a career-high five tackles each against Temple and in the 46-17 win over Michigan. He also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss against the Wolverines. He missed the Ohio State and Iowa games with a slight injury, but returned to help the Nittany Lions beat Indiana and Michigan State to clinch the Big Ten crown. He saw action on 226 snaps, led by 30 against the Beavers.
2007 Sophomore Season
Gbadyu played in every game on defense and special teams, recording six tackles. He made a season-high three tackles at Michigan State, a solo stop against Buffalo and a punishing solo hit at Temple. He saw action on 133 plays, led by 23 at Michigan State. He earned a 3.56 grade-point average during the 2008 spring semester for Dean's List recognition.
2006 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Gbadyu was a first-team all-state selection and team captain at Quince Orchard HS. Playing for Coach Dave Mencarini, he earned Washington Post All-Met honors during his senior season. As a junior and senior, he received first-team all-county and all-conference accolades, playing safety, linebacker, defensive end and running back. He was injured for a portion of his senior season, but ran for 860 yards and 16 touchdowns and made 65 tackles and forced five fumbles. As a junior, he had 78 tackles, 15 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He was instrumental in Quince Orchard winning a pair of 4A West championships.
Personal
Full name is Bani Gbadyu. He is the son of Digoa Gbadyu and has a brother, Emmanuel. He is majoring in human development and family studies. In his free time, Gbadyu enjoys music, playing video games and watching movies. Born August 31, 1987 in Liberia.
Gbadyu's 2008 Game-by-Game
Tackles (Total-Solo-Assists)
Coastal Carolina 3-1-2; Oregon State 4-1-3; Syracuse 1-0-1; Temple 5-3-2; Illinois 1-0-1; Purdue 3-2-1; Wisconsin 2-2-0; Michigan 3-2-1; Ohio State-INJ; Iowa-INJ; Indiana 1-0-1; Michigan State 2-1-1; USC-DNP.
