Sean Lee

Classroom

Lee owned a 3.09 cumulative grade point average through the 2009 spring semester. He is on schedule to graduate in December, 2009. He was selected Academic All-Big Ten twice in addition to being selected ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District in 2007.

Character

Lee was elected a 2009 team co-captain by his teammates. He was named an honorary team co-captain in 2008 in honor of his leadership and work ethic despite a knee injury that sidelined him for the 2008 season. He tore the ACL in his right knee in an April 2008 practice and has done an exemplary job in his rehabilitation. Lee served as a student assistant coach in 2008, attending all linebacker meetings and practices and was included on the 70-man travel squad for all away games.

Community

Lee understands that as a high-profile student-athlete he is a role model for youth. He is among the squad’s most personable and service-oriented members. Among his community service activities are:  Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Summer Games, Dance Marathon Make-A-Wish program, SAAB reading program, Lift for Life (raise funds for Kidney Cancer Association) and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to taking time for autographs and photographs after games and during other public appearances.

Competition

Lee was selected the 2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated. He was named a 2009 second team pre-season All-American by Phil Steele’s College Football and has been named to the watch list for the 2009 Rotary Lombardi and Chuck Bednarik awards. He will also will be a Butkus Award candidate. Lee started all 26 games in 2006 and 2007. He was No. 2 in the Big Ten with 138 tackles in 2007 to earn all-conference honors. His 138 tackles were No. 5 on the Penn State season list. He was named Defensive MVP of the 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl after tying the Alamo Bowl record with 14 tackles. He was also named to the 2007 ESPN.com All-Bowl Team. In 2007, he recorded 10.5 tackles for losses, with 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception. He was second on the team with eight pass break-ups and tied for first in Big Ten in fumble recoveries in 2007. Lee helped Penn State to 29-9 record from 2005-07, with one Big Ten Championship and three bowl wins.