Earl Ross came to Penn State from Vermont's Middlebury Union High School and had an immediate impact on Penn State's defensive fortunes last year. Ross played in nearly every game for Penn State and was a consistent part of the Nittany Lions' defensive rotation. A year's worth of experience has Ross poised to be an even bigger factor for Penn State in 2008.

Lion Career:
2007: Ross played in 11 games in 2007, earning a letter as a true freshman. He had seven ground balls and took one shot.

HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL:
Ross was featured in the United States Lacrosse National High School Senior Showcase last year, playing for the North Team. He was a 2005 and 2006 all-state selection and a two-time Vermont Rising Star. He also played for Vermont in the 2006 Vermont/New Hampshire All-Star game. Ross lettered four years at Middlebury Union High School. He is the son of Monti Backus and Keith and Linda Ross. Ross has one sister, Ashley. Ross is a chemical engineering major at Penn State.

COACHES VIEW:
"Earl is a very aggressive player and can explode some offenses with his play with the long stick. He should become our most physically intimidating close defender this spring." - Coach Thiel