There is almost something mythical about Penn State’s connection with the number 11 jersey. Year after year, linebackers at the program have donned the 11, which has acquired its own identity. It is passed down like a crown to the program’s most electrifying linebackers, as they carry the weight of expectations. From NaVorro Bowman to Brandon Bell, from Micah Parsons to Abdul Carter, PSU has witnessed some big names taking their rightful place in what they call ST1X C1TY. Now, with spring practices underway, this iconic ‘city’ has a new resident.

It was in 1997 when LaVar Arrington chose to play linebacker at Penn State and he wanted to do it with the 11 number jersey. Linebackers typically wore numbers in the 30s, 40s, and higher at the program, but Arrington went down a different and thus a legend was born. After a collegiate career that saw him receive plenty of accolades and a unanimous All-American spot, the #11 at PSU went to Brandon Bell before Micah Parsons took the baton and passed it down to Abdul Carter. Now, nearly three decades later, it appears that the #11 shirt is going back to the Arrington family.

As Penn State opened spring football practices this week, we got a first look at some of the new names in the program, and one stood out from the rest. Meet LaVar Arrington II, the son of NFL legend, now carrying his father’s legacy. Arrington II’s presence on the field was hard to miss and not just because of his sturdy build, but the fact that he was already sporting the iconic number 11 across his chest.

But LaVar Arrington II getting handed the #11 isn’t just a sentimental story. 

One look at him, and you’d realize exactly why he’s earned it. A 4-star recruit, Arrington II came to State College with some baggage and expectations. Turns out, he brought along a whole lot of muscle and brawn too. Only 17, he looks jacked! Even though he is listed on the official roster at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, he looks every bit the player who could play a key role in James Franklin’s defense next season. 

As his photo of looking absolutely stacked during the spring practice went viral, his linebacker predecessor, Micah Parsons, acknowledged the newest addition to the legendary number 11 dominion.

Posting a photo of Arrington II, he wrote, “It’s a place ! #stixcity.”  Arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL today, Parsons was just as big a menace with Penn State as his Arrington II’s father. Bestowing Micah with the #11 shirt made sense since he wasn’t just another star linebacking prospect—before, of course, transitioning to EDGE—he was also a Pennsylvania native, the same as his Arrington. Parsons has only raised the bar and is set to become the highest-earning non-QB player in NFL history, with a $41 million per year extension looming for the next five years.

Abdul Carter ensured standards remain high for ‘St1x C1ty,’ when he took charge. He is projected to be a top-5 pick in next month’s draft and leaves a challenge for Arrington II to follow after vacating the number 11. If Arrington II is looking for any inspiration, he would have to look farther than his dad.

Arrington II chose Penn State over offers from UCLA, Tennessee, Michigan, and others. But there was never a doubt LaVar Arrington’s son would go to school at PSU despite being born and brought up on the Pacific coast. His father, Arrington, was a force for the Nittany Lions from 1997-99, where he was a two-time All-American selection. In 1999, he was a Heisman Trophy finalist and also won the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Dick Butkus Award. Arrington was later selected by the Washington Redskins with the No. 2 pick in the 2000 NFL Draft and earned three Pro Bowl selections across seven seasons in the NFL. His son, Arrington II, has shown glimpses that he could follow in his father’s footsteps.

He played at Charter Oak High School under head coach Dom Farrar. As a sophomore, he played a key role in the Chargers’ 10-1 record and Mountain West League championship, tallying 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, and four quarterback hurries.

He recorded 65 tackles, 12 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and one interception as a junior and earned All-Mountain West League, All-San Gabriel Valley, and All-CIF honors. As a senior, he was a captain and named Team MVP, leading Charter Oak to an 8-3 record. The Covina, California, native pledged his commitment to the Nittany Lions last year in July.

Seeing Arrington II  in number 11, fans wondered how Penn State continues finding pass rushers to add to the lore and shock at how physically ready this true freshman already looks to give opposition QBs nightmarish flashbacks of Abdul Carter. 

St1x C1ty expanded its horizons past in-state recruits and onto California, and fans were excited for this new chapter in this mystical domain.

Social media reacts to the first look in Penn State colors for LaVar Arrington II

The most-liked comment on that Sports Illustrated’s IG post about Arrington II reads, “Why are they breeding Micah parsons every year?” It really is a scary proposition how seamlessly Penn State seems to get elite, or in LaVar Arrington’s case, potentially elite pass rushers. He’s a linebacker—for now. But we know Parsons and Carter were also cultivated to play in the front 4 with time. “They got a Micah Parsons factory in Pennsylvania?” and “Micah the 3rd” were two comments that reiterated the same sentiment. 

“Penn state linebackers needa get nerfed” wrote one person. The B1G has another team famous for elite linebackers that get passed on the same digits. Number 55 at USC, also etched in CFB folklore. Owing to Arrington’s physique, one fan said, “Genes don’t fall far from the apple tree.” Old man LaVar sure was getting plenty of love. “Not just anybody get 11 … hopefully he ball like his daddy did 🔥 🙌” wrote another.

One comment that summed up this revelation perfectly was, “They can’t keep doing this, lol.” This archetype of player really does seem to get spawned out of thin air at PSU. Alas, it’s worth reinforcing that LaVar Arrington is only 17. There is promise, but he needs time to begin fulfilling it.

Akin to Drew Allar, the Penn State teammate of his, the last thing he needs right now is the pressure that stems from his name and number. That said, his taking on that number off the bat shows this kid’s got some mettle about him. It’ll be worth keeping tabs on this one, stash away some stocks from early. The proof is in the pudding-  that #11 legacy continues.