Kline happy to be a Lion

Ben Kline
Linebacker
Dallastown, Pennsylvania
Dallastown Senior High School
6-foot-2, 230 pounds
Committed on December 8, 2010
Recruited by: Larry Johnson

Kline was the York County Player of the Year after recording 152 tackles as a senior.

Growing up a Penn State fan in a pro-Penn State area, Ben Kline didn't pick up a coveted offer from the Nittany Lions before committing to Pittsburgh in June. It wasn't until after a standout junior season that the senior linebacker from Dallastown, Pa., got calls from both Larry Johnson and Ron Vanderlinden, both of whom wanted Kline to visit Happy Valley.

Just weeks later, he made the switch from the Panthers to the Lions.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Kline had scholarship offers from Boston College, UConn, Duke, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rutgers and West Virginia before he made his commitment to Pittsburgh in the summer.

Kline led Dallastown to an 11-1 record and a York County championship as a senior, racking up 152 tackles from his middle linebacker position. He also added three interceptions on the season and scored 13 touchdowns on offense.

His efforts were worthy of a spot on the Class AAAA all-state first team. He was the York County Player of the Year as well as an all-conference selection.

Kline is rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com.

Signing Day Mini Q&A

Why Penn State?

"Just the tradition, the atmosphere and everything around it. Obviously, where I'm from there's obviously a big fanbase around here and I'm really excited to be a part of that as I further myself there."

How do you see yourself fitting in with the program?

"I'm going to work hard and hopefully get plenty of playing time and do my best to contribute to the team. Right now they're saying I can play any of the linebacker spots, but they'll obviously be able to determine that when I get there to see where my best fit is."

What are you looking forward to the most about getting to Penn State?

"Just getting to play again. Obviously it's been a while now and I'm kind of itching to get to play again and step onto a new team and be a part of college football."

How long do you think Joe Paterno will continue coaching?

"I honestly have no opinion. You never know. As far as health goes and everything like that, it's always unpredictable with everybody. I'm sure he'll coach as long as he can, as long as his heart is in it, and when he decides to hang it up, that's when he'll hang it up."