STATE COLLEGE — The polished demeanor and boy-next-door haircut make Sean Lee seem like a typical, mild-mannered college senior.

But once Lee puts on his helmet and blue-and-white uniform, he transforms into a fiery Penn State linebacker who loves to hit.

After sitting out 2008 with a right knee injury, it’s easy to understand why the Nittany Lions captain is eager to get his comeback started at spring practice.

“I was really excited, flush a little bit, a little nervous,” Lee said in describing how he felt butterflies for the spring’s first practice, last week.

Paterno plans to proceed cautiously. After all, Lee and Navorro Bowman — who emerged in Lee’s absence as a playmaker himself — will likely form the Big Ten’s best linebacking duo this fall.

“He doesn’t have to prove anything to us,” Paterno about Lee. JoePa this fall will start his 44th season as head coach.

“He’s one of the best kids I’ve ever coached, and I don’t mean just out on the field,” Paterno said. “I’m going to try and keep him out of contact.”

Lee insists he could “play tomorrow” if the season started. He no longer wears a brace on the knee, which he said he finally felt normal again about six weeks ago.