ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

For the last 13 months, the Big Ten hasn't had a more dynamic linebacker than Penn State's Navorro Bowman. Since claiming a starting role in Week 4 last season, Bowman has basically set up camp in the opposing backfield. He led Penn State with 16.5 tackles for loss last year and already has eight this year, plus a 91-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Bowman has dealt with his share of adversity in his college career, and he hopes to make good on his second chance in Happy Valley. This week, the Lions junior leads the nation's No. 2 scoring defense into Michigan Stadium, where Penn State has dropped five consecutive games.

	Randy Litzinger/Icon SMI
	Now that Navorro Bowman is a veteran, the game is coming easier for him.

Here are some of Bowman's thoughts on the Michigan matchup and his own career path.

You guys have put up some very impressive numbers on defense so far this year. What's the mentality with that group going into every game?

Navorro Bowman: Really, it's just going out there to dominate. We've got to continue getting our offense on the field. We think it starts with us, so we take that kind of attitude every time we get on the field and so far, we've been doing a great job.

Where does that attitude start? Was it there last year?

Bowman: Yeah, it was there last year, too. We just continue to try to uphold the name as a solid defense and the type of defense that we play here. It's starting to get tough down the road and we've got to continue getting stronger.

It seems like you're getting stronger coming off of the [groin] injury. Was it a case of giving it enough time to heal?

Bowman: I treated the injury with a smart mindset in knowing when I could go. Now that I waited so long and gave it the rest that it needed, I'm back to 100 percent and it's really reflecting in my game and helping my team. I try to get better and better every year. Last year was a good year, but we still have a few games left where I can get better and do a lot of different things and make a lot of different plays. I'm going to focus on this year and hopefully, it can repeat itself from last year.

Is there an element of your game that feels different or better this year?

Bowman: I feel faster and I feel I'm a veteran now. I've been here for a few years, so things are a lot easier to read and understand. I can just react and not think about things and just make plays.

We talked in the spring about being able to wear LaVar Arrington's number (11). How has that been so far, and do you guys talk about how things are going?

Bowman: It's been a great experience and a great season so far, just having his number on and having the attention that comes with the number and everything. We talk and he's happy that I'm wearing the number also. We talk after every game and he likes it. So I'm glad to be wearing his number. He said I'm doing good, but we kind of have the same attitude when it comes to football. You've got to keep getting better and you never know where you'll finish at the end.

You've talked a lot about how you can't wait to play with Sean Lee. He was out there a bit last week. How exciting was that and how much do you look forward to him taking on a greater role?

Bowman: It was really exciting, having him back and giving people what they want to see. Since the season started, they wanted to see us on the field at the same time and he looked great for the time he was out there. I'm praying for him and hoping that he can continue to get better.

You mention giving the people what they want to see. I know you're focused on your assignments, but is it a bit about putting on a show?

Bowman: I wouldn't say so. I just think people come to see us, so we've just got to shine and put on a show. If it's a show, we've got to make it a good show.