John Brelus Class: Sophomore Hometown: Columbus, Ohio High School: Worthington-Kilbourne Height / Weight: 6-3 / 191 Position: D Experience: JR

Another talented young defender, John Brelus got his feet wet with Penn State's defense last year and will head into the new season looking to increase his playing time in 2009.

LION CAREER:

2008:Brelus played in four games last year for Penn State, seeing time with the Nittany Lion defense. An injury sidelined Brelus for the latter half of the year.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL:
Brelus was a 2007 High School All-American at Worthington Kilbourne High School. He lettered for three seasons and won the Coaches Award as a freshman. In 2005, he earned second-team All-Conference laurels as a sophomore and was a first team All-Midwest pick in 2006, when he also earned honorable mention all-state honors. As a senior, he was voted his team's Defensive MVP and was a first team all-state and All-Midwest pick. He helped guide his team to three conference titles, a state runner-up finish and two Ohio final four appearances. An outstanding student, Brelus was a four-time Honor Roll member and won the Bronze-Gold Key Student of the Month Award as well. He is the son of Barbara Berichon and John Brelus. His stepmother, Sue Brelus, was a Penn State grad and served as manager of Penn State's lacrosse team. A business marketing major.

COACHES VIEW: "John has been slowed by a broken foot from last spring, and is just returning to the level he showed as a freshman seeing time on MDD. John must continue to be more physical on close defense." - Coach Thiel