The collective football world just felt a little bit older.
On Thursday, LaVar Arrington II — the son of three-time Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington — announced his commitment to Penn State.
Like his dad, the younger Arrington is an inside linebacker who will don the navy and white of the Nittany Lions.
The Class of 2025 standout grades as a three-star prospect and the 45th overall player in the state of California, according to 247 Sports.
The 46-year-old Arrington played in State College from 1997-99, earning First Team All-American honors in his sophomore and junior seasons and being elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
In the 2000 NFL Draft, Arrington was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by Washington — still tied for the highest-drafted Penn State product in the last 23 years.
During his six seasons in the DC area, Arrington was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, amassing 401 total tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, three interceptions and seven fumble recoveries.
Arrington shared the field with several NFL legends in Washington, including Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, Hall of Fame corner Champ Bailey, safety Sean Taylor and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
The Pittsburgh native closed out his NFL career with the Giants, suiting up for Big Blue for only six games in 2006 before retiring at age 28.
Arrington II, meanwhile, becomes the 21st commit in the Nittany Lions’ 2025 bunch, which is ranked eighth overall by 247.
Having produced iconic linebackers like Jack Ham, NaVarro Bowman, Micah Parsons and his own dad, Arrington II will have a big legacy to live up to in Happy Valley.
The 2024 Nittany Lions kick start their season Aug. 31 by taking on nearby nemesis West Virginia, with the program hoping to gain its first ever College Football Playoff berth.
