×

Hull named Big Ten’s top LB

Mike Hull considered transferring to Pitt when Penn State’s NCAA sanctions came down in 2012, and his decision to stay put has paid off immensely for both him and the Nittany Lions.

Hull has carried on the rich tradition of Linebacker U during his outstanding senior season, and Monday the senior was rewarded for it by the Big Ten. Hull was named the league’s Linebacker of the Year, winning the Butkus-Fitzgerald Award.

“I was just incredibly humbled, felt so great to be able to do this, especially coming from a university with such a great linebacker tradition,” Hull said during the televised announcement on BTN.

Hull is the second Lion to win the league’s linebacker award in three seasons, with Michael Mauti capturing it in 2012.

“There’s always big shoes to fill,” Hull said of playing linebacker at Penn State. “We’re aware of the tradition, there’s been a lot of great linebackers that have come before us. It’s something that we just want to keep passing on.

“Coach (Ron) Vanderlinden did a great job in years past, and now Coach (Brent) Pry is carrying over that tradition. It starts with fundamentals and the type of players we recruit, and it’s just really special to be a part of.”

Hull wasn’t sure he wanted to be part of the PSU program in July 2012 when the harsh sanctions were levied and players were allowed to transfer immediately without having to sit out a year. Hull, a Canonsburg native, gave strong consideration to going to Pitt but chose to remain at PSU.

“It’s been a lot of good times, a lot of bad times,” Hull said of his career. “But overall it’s a bittersweet ending, and I couldn’t be more happy with how things turned out.”

Hull topped the Big Ten in tackles (134) and tackles per game (11.2) to lead a PSU defense that ranks among the nation’s best. He’s been so dominant that he’s averaged 1.9 tackles per game more than any other player in the league.

SUBHD: All-conference nods

Hull and junior defensive tackle Anthony Zettel were both unanimous selections as first-team all-conference on both the Big Ten coaches and media lists.

Zettel has been a major force in the trenches, leading the Lions with 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He’s also intercepted three passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown to spark a rally against Ohio State.

“It really shows that all of the defense’s hard work has really paid off,” Zettel said in a university statement. “I’m really excited for this defense and this team. I really enjoyed playing alongside Austin Johnson, Deion (Barnes) and C.J. (Olaniyan). It was just a really enjoyable year.”

Place-kicker Sam Ficken was named second-team all-conference by the coaches and media. He has made 23-of-28 field goals this season.

Redshirt freshman receiver DaeSean Hamilton was named to the second team by the media. He led the league with 75 catches, but he wasn’t higher on the list because of his yardage (848) and TD (1) totals.

Seven PSU players were named honorable mention: safety Adrian Amos, defensive end Deion Barnes, tight end Jesse James, defensive tackle Austin Johnson, cornerback Jordan Lucas, center Angelo Mangiro and cornerback Trevor Williams.

Senior safety Ryan Keiser received the Sportsmanship honor from Penn State.

SUBHD: Hand to Tulsa?

Tulsa went 2-10 this season and fired coach Bill Blankenship on Monday. Penn State offensive line coach Herb Hand was an assistant at Tulsa from 2007-09, and his name was mentioned Monday by several media outlets as a potential candidate for the head coaching job.

Hand was assistant head coach for the Golden Hurricane in 2009 under then-head coach Todd Graham, who left for Pitt and is now at Arizona State.

SUBHD: Broyles finalists

PSU defensive coordinator Bob Shoop is not one of the five finalists for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. He had been named to the watch list last week.

The five finalists are: Ohio State OF Tom Herman, Alabama OC Lane Kiffin, Oregon OC Scott Frost, Missouri DC Dave Steckel and TCU co-OC Doug Meacham.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today