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STATE COLLEGE -- It was quite a welcome home party for Sean Lee.
The All-America hopeful at linebacker put on a jersey for the first time on Saturday afternoon since sustaining a knee injury last April that wiped out his 2008 season.
He did not play during the Blue-White Game in Beaver Stadium but was on hand during the autograph session and was the most popular fan attraction.
Squealing teenage girls. Husbands and wives pressing close to gawk. Tiny kids on parents' shoulders getting a better view.
Hats and footballs and T-shirts shoved in the face of the mild-mannered, smiling team captain.
"Sean! Sean! Sean!"
He got more attention than Daryll Clark, the Big Ten's top quarterback, or Jared Odrick, maybe the nation's
He even got his own bodyguard/crowd control guy.
"Hey guys, don't push or we're going to pull him!" yelled the university official standing watch over the situation.
Everyone seemed to take notice of the warning momentarily, then went back to their mission.
"Sean! Sean! Sean!"
Missing in action: As expected, star linebacker Navorro Bowman did not suit up for the autograph session or play in the scrimmage.
Bowman recently admitted to violating his probation by using marijuana. A judge also took him to task for not officially completing any of his mandatory 100 hours of community service, which resulted from his guilty plea in connection with
His status with the team seems uncertain for now.
"At this point I don't want to overreact. He's been a pretty good kid. ...," said coach Joe Paterno. "It's a very different situation today with kids having to overcome environmental things. I'm going to let it all settle down and decide (this coming) week."
Good hands: The leading receivers were Zug (four catches, 62 yards, TD) and tight end Andrew Quarless (four catches, 52 yards).
Quarless, a senior, made a big splash three seasons ago but struggles on and off the field have limited his production since.
"No point to be proven," he said of his big scrimmage. "Just work hard out there like I've been doing all spring.
He did admit that he has been "more committed, playing every practice like it's a game" this spring.
Sidelined: Receiver Brett Brackett injured his shoulder during the scrimmage, though Penn State officials did not know the severity.
Imposing defensive end Eric Latimore (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) did not play because of an injury and academic problems, Paterno said.
Award winners: The annual "most improved offensive player" of the spring award went to receiver Graham Zug.
The "most improved defensive player" was linebacker Mike Mauti, and Brackett earned the "total commitment" award.
Just step on up: Even without Lee and Bowman, the Lions seem quite deep at linebacker as shown by the scrimmage efforts of Mauti, Mike Yancich (four tackles each) and Mike Zordich (six tackles). All of them were flying at ball carriers and wrapping them up with ease.
fbodani@ydr.com; 771-2104
