STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; June 10, 1999 - Athlon Sports' college football magazine lists four Nittany Lions on its 1999 pre-season All-America teams.

Junior outside linebacker LaVar Arrington (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was named to the first team, while senior defensive end Courtney Brown (Alvin, S.C.) and senior cornerback David Macklin (Newport News, Va.) were named to the second team. Junior guard Kareem McKenzie (Willingboro, N.J.) rounded out the Penn State contingent by earning third team honors.

Athlon's pre-season All-Big Ten team includes senior middle linebacker Brandon Short (McKeesport, Pa.) and the above four All-America selections.

In addition, Athlon has Penn State ranked No. 2 nationally, trailing only Florida State. Tennessee is third, followed by Arizona, whom the Lions host August 28, and Texas A&M. Arrington was named Big Ten Defensive Player-of-the-Year and a first team All-American by The Sporting News last season. He was also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker.

Brown capped off a superb season by earning Outback Bowl MVP honors. A two-year starter, he was also named a Pro Football Weekly All-American and first-team All-Big Ten. Brown led the talented Nittany Lion defense with 11.5 sacks, the third-highest in school history.

Macklin had a breakout season in his first full season as a starter. A third team All-America choice by The Sporting News, he tied for the Big Ten lead and was fifth nationally with six interceptions. Macklin also earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.

McKenzie earned a starting spot at guard and was in for more than 400 snaps last year. His strong season led him to be named second-team All-Big Ten by the media.

A 1999 co-captain, Short had another solid season in which he was a Butkus Award semifinalist and a first-team All-Big Ten selection. He led the Nittany Lions in tackles with 67 and was the leader of the defensive unit, which finished in the top 12 of the four NCAA team statistical categories.

Coach Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions return 44 letterwinners and 19 starters from last year's 9-3 and Outback Bowl-winning team. The season kicks off with the Nittany Lions playing Arizona at Beaver Stadium in the Pigskin Classic.