Mike Wiand enters his redshirt freshman campaign looking to add depth to the linebacker unit and earn a spot in the rotation or on special teams. He was born in nearby Lewisburg, Pa., on January 1, 1995, on the eve of the 1994 Nittany Lions winning the program[apos]s first Rose Bowl to culminate a spectacular 12-0 campaign. Wiand is among 17 returning Nittany Lions from Central Pennsylvania.
2013 Freshman Season
Redshirt season. Wiand made two tackles and had a pass breakup in the 2014 Blue-White game.
High School
A standout on the field and in the classroom, Wiand was a four-year starter at linebacker for head coach Jason Dressler at Mifflinburg Area High School. He graduated with honors and as a member of the National Honor Society after he missed his senior season due to injury. Wiand was a three-time first-team All-Heartland Athletic Conference I selection and was named to the District 4 all-star team three times, including first-team honors as a sophomore and junior. Wiand helped the Wildcats to the Heartland Athletic Conference I championship as a junior and was invited to the U.S. Army All-American Combine. He was invited to the District 4 North-South All-Star game and the Mid-Atlantic North-South game following his senior season. Wiand also lettered in basketball and track and field.
Personal
Full name is Michael Raymond Wiand. He is the son of Glenn and Barb Wiand. He has one brother, Justin, and two sisters, Mackenzie and Rebekah. Wiand compiled a 3.21 grade-point average during the 2013 fall semester in the College of Health and Human Development. He enjoys hunting and cooking. Wiand plans to study kinesiology and pursue a career as a strength coach or gym owner. Born January 1, 1995 in Lewisburg, Pa.