Strath Haven linebacker Dan Connor, Penn State's top verbal commitment for the incoming recruiting class, said he was told in an e-mail from Penn State linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden Sunday night that the linebackers coach will return to his coaching position with the Lions next season.

Several Michigan newspapers have reported that Vanderlinden spoke with Eastern Michigan about its head coach opening and that he was a favored candidate.

Connor went on to say that Penn State football coach Joe Paterno plans on calling him tonight to "clarify the situation."

"Vanderlinden e-mailed me and my mom [Sunday night] and he cleared it up and said he was staying," Connor said. "I'm almost positive he's staying."

Over the past few years, Vanderlinden and Connor established a very close relationship as the talented prospect attended summer football camps at Penn State.

When he committed to the Lions on Aug. 5, Connor specifically cited his bond with Vanderlinden as one of the main reasons for his choosing Penn State.

"It's the best staff [my family] met in the country," Connor told the Daily Collegian on the day he committed to Penn State. "They maximize talent and get the best out of every player. I worked with [Penn State linebacker coach Ron] Vanderlinden at camp. In a one week span I was definitely getting better. In four to five years, I can really do something."

Connor said that if Vanderlinden does in fact leave Happy Valley, he would consider reopening the recruiting process.

"I would maybe look around at a couple other schools," Connor said. "We would probably see who they brought in and see how they like me."

Rivals.com has Connor ranked as the No. 2 middle linebacker in the nation while theinsiders.com ranks him No. 1. He plans on enrolling at Penn State a semester early this January along with fellow verbal commitment Greg Harrison.

"In a week or two I will pick my classes," Connor said. "All the paperwork is finished so we're ready to go. Everything is going to go on normally."