With extensive experience at the guard and tackle positions, DeOn[apos]tae Pannell should have the opportunity to play a significant role on the offensive line in his senior season. Possessing excellent physical attributes, Pannell has the bulk and strength to ward off defensive tackles and the agility to shut down speed-rushers off the edge. His skills, experience and versatility will be critical components in preseason practice as he resumes his battle with John Urschel for the starting assignment at right guard. Should Pannell win the job, he likely would become the fourth senior starter on an offensive line that returns a trio of starters. A first-team all-state player from Wylie E. Groves HS in suburban Detroit, he brings a strong work-ethic and a positive attitude to the practice field and weight room. He has experience playing both guard and both tackle positions. Pannell usually has a smile on his face and is one of the squad[apos]s most active members in community service. The past three years, he has been among the 25-30 Nittany Lions that welcomed more than 30 THON Make-A-Wish children to the Lasch Football Building during THON Weekend each February. Pannell is joined by Rob Bolden and C.J. Olaniyan as returning Nittany Lions from Michigan. He is on schedule to graduate in December.
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2010 Junior Season
Pannell played in 10 games, with two starts, to help Penn State allow only 12 sacks all season, tied for No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 13 in the nation for fewest sacks allowed. Pannell made starts at left guard against Youngstown State and at No. 1 Alabama. He helped the Nittany Lions gain 350 or more yards nine times, topped by 528 yards in the historic 35-21 comeback win over Northwestern. Pannell helped Penn State gain 435 yards against Michigan, scoring 41 points in the primetime victory. He was on the field for 142 snaps, led by 48 against Youngstown State.
2009 Sophomore Season
Pannell[apos]s development at guard and tackle helped to stabilize and improve the line of an offense that ranked No. 5 in the conference in scoring (28.8 ppg) and was the only Big Ten team ranked in the top five of the conference[apos]s four primary offensive statistical categories: total, scoring, rushing (169.8 ypg) and passing offense (237.2 ypg). Behind the protection of Pannell and his linemates, quarterback Daryll Clark finished No. 2 in the Big Ten in passing efficiency and delivered a school-record 24 touchdown passes. Penn State finished third in the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed. Pannell started the initial four games at right tackle and a total of seven games during the year. During the Illinois game, he sprained an ankle, though, and missed the next two games. He returned to the field to help Penn State win at Michigan and at Northwestern. During the Ohio State game, Johnnie Troutman suffered a leg injury. The following week, Pannell was shifted to left guard, where he started the final two regular-season contests, helping the Lions score a combined 73 points in victories over Indiana and Michigan State. In the 42-14 win over his homestate Spartans, he helped set the tone for one of Penn State[apos]s most dominating offensive efforts of the season. The Nittany Lions amassed 512 yards, their fourth game of 500 or more yards last season, and had a season-high 10 plays of 20 yards or more from scrimmage, with four going for touchdowns. Pannell also started in the Nittany Lions[apos] 19-17 win over LSU in the 2010 Capital One Bowl. He saw action on 402 snaps, led by 77 against Indiana.
2008 Freshman Season
Pannell made his collegiate debut in the opener with Coastal Carolina and quickly established himself as the top reserve to all-conference senior Gerald Cadogan at left tackle. Playing in eight games, Pannell made significant progress as the season unfolded. He saw action on 89 snaps, led by 20 against Coastal Carolina and 17 at Syracuse. Pannell was one of four true freshmen to see playing time.
High School
Pannell was a standout two-way lineman for Coach Brendan Flaherty at Wylie E. Groves HS. He played center and defensive tackle, starting for three years on the offensive line. Pannell was named to the Detroit Free Press 2007 All-State Dream Team and Scout.com rated him among the nation[apos]s Top 25 offensive tackles. During his senior season, he recorded 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four pass breakups. He was the captain of the track and field team, competing in the shot put and discus, and also was captain of the basketball squad.
Personal
Full name is DeOn[apos]tae Jamar Pannell. He is the son of Mavis Pannell. He has one younger sister, Ciara. Two cousins, Jamar Landrum and Jim Landrum Jr., played football at Tennessee State University and the University of Saint Francis (Ind.), respectively. Pannell enjoys playing basketball, video games and going to the movies. He is majoring in crime, law and justice and may be interested in coaching at the collegiate level after his football career. Born March 19, 1990 in Detroit, Mich.