Tom McEowen Class: Sophomore Hometown: Feasterville, Pa. High School: Neshaminy Height / Weight: 6-4 / 274 Position: DT Experience: JR H.S. Coach: Mark Schmidt

One year removed from a serious knee injury, Tom McEowen is anxious for the start of preseason practice and an opportunity to earn more time in the defensive tackle rotation. He made his Penn State debut as a true freshman against Northwestern in 2006. But, during the second half against the Wildcats, he suffered a season-ending injury. McEowen worked hard to return to 100 percent, but during the first week of winter conditioning workouts in January 2007, he sustained a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. McEowen did a tremendous job in his rehabilitation and was able to return to game competition by mid-September. McEowen has excellent size, skills and instincts and should have an opportunity to take on a bigger role on the Nittany Lions' talented, but youthful defensive line in 2008. The 2005 Philadelphia Inquirer Defensive Player-of-the-Year at Neshaminy HS, he was a prep teammate of Nittany Lion placekicker Kevin Kelly.

2007 Sophomore Season
McEowen's 2007 season began with a significant challenge, as he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first week of winter conditioning. He did an exemplary job in his rehabilitation and made his season debut in the third game, against Buffalo. McEowen played in seven games, including five of the last six regular-season contests, but did not make any tackles.

2006 Freshman Season
McEowen made his collegiate debut against Northwestern, seeing action on several plays during the second half. But, he suffered an injury that ended his season. He was granted a medical redshirt season.

High School
McEowen was one of the top defensive linemen in the Commonwealth. As a senior for Coach Mark Schmidt at Neshaminy HS, he made 87 tackles (60 solo) with 12 tackles for losses, five of which were sacks. His standout efforts earned him the nod as Philadelphia Inquirer Defensive Player-of-the-Year, as well as a Big 33 Classic selection. He also was second-team all-state, first-team All-Pennsylvania Football News and first-team All-Suburban One League.

Personal
Full name is Thomas Richard McEowen. He is undecided on a major. Born October 9, 1987.