| Josh Hull |
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A young man with great determination and work ethic, Josh Hull emerged last year as a productive member of the defense and special teams. Mid-season injuries to Navorro Bowman and Dontey Brown ramped up Hull's reps in practice and playing time, as he served as the top reserve at middle linebacker and one of the outside linebacker spots. Hull's skills and versatility will again serve the Nittany Lions well in 2008. During spring practice, All-America linebacker Sean Lee suffered a season-ending knee injury. Hull, who had been practicing at an outside spot, was moved into the middle and finished the spring as the top candidate at inside linebacker. Hailing from nearby Penns Valley HS, the talented and hard-working Hull also brings great passion and intelligence to the field. Last spring, Hull and punter Jeremy Boone were named co-recipients of the Frank Patrick Memorial Total Commitment Award, which goes to junior class squad members who consistently follow through with their responsibilities in all facets of the football program and do so in an exemplary manner. This includes academic pursuits, off-season preparation, in-season commitment, demeanor and community service. A 2005 walk-on, Hull is one of the squad's top students. He earned a superlative 3.92 grade-point average last fall and received Dean's List and Academic All-Big Ten accolades. He is a potential Academic All-America candidate with a 3.47 GPA through the spring semester.
2007 Junior Season
Hull saw action in all 13 games, recording 18 tackles. In the season-opener with Florida International, Hull saw significant playing time, recording three tackles. He also tallied three stops against Buffalo. Hull played well in the 38-7 win over No. 19 Wisconsin, making two tackles and one pass breakup. He recorded two tackles in the Alamo Bowl against Texas A&M, including 0.5 TFL, helping hold the Aggies to just three points over the final three quarters. He was on the field for 292 snaps, topped by 39 in the win over Wisconsin and 33 in the victory over Iowa. Hull earned Academic All-Big Ten accolades.
2006 Sophomore Season
Hull played in every game on defense and special teams, recording six tackles (four solo). He added depth to arguably the nation's top linebacker unit. Hull made a season-high three tackles against Northwestern and added single stops each against Michigan, Illinois and Michigan State. He was on the field for 166 snaps, with a season-high 23 plays against Temple. He compiled a 3.69 grade-point average during the fall semester to make the Dean's List, also gaining Academic All-Big Ten honors.
2005 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Hull was a standout linebacker and fullback for Coach Martin Tobias at nearby Penns Valley HS. He was a three-year starter, serving as team captain and defensive captain as a senior. Hull was selected first-team all-conference on defense after his senior season and was a team captain in the 2006 Lezzer Lumber Classic. He also was a three-year letterman on the baseball team, earning first-team all-conference accolades as an outfielder.
Personal
Full name is Joshua Lynn Hull. He is the son of Jeffrey and Susan Hull and has a younger brother, Ethan. He is majoring in environmental systems engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Born May 21, 1987 in State College, Pa.
