2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Fifth-year senior Zack Mills is the starter, plain and simple. He saw limited duty only in the first quarter of their Blue & White Spring Game, indicating he has won the job. Having been a semifinalist for the 2002 Davey O'Brien Award, he represents the most experienced Big Ten signal-caller. His numbers were better than modest in 2003, despite having missed three games due to a sprained ankle. Mills already owns numerous PSU records and enters his senior campaign with 5,400 career passing yards (470 short of overtaking Tony Sacca's school record) and 32 career TD passes (ten short of overtaking Todd Blackledge and Sacca's record of 41). Back up Michael Robinson has played multiple positions during his PSU stint, including time at WR, TB, and as a punt returner. More important, Robinson has stepped in (when Mills has been nicked up) and performed admirably. This includes a 379-yard passing effort versus Wisconsin last year - the second highest in school history. His mobility and athletic prowess gives the offense a nice change of pace if/when peppered in properly, enough such that you could hear some rumblings the past two falls concerning Robinson being the full-time starter. However, a few Penn State players have been suspended through the summer for their involvement in an on-campus brawl this past winter, including Robinson. Although remaining on the team, the ramifications have all but sewn up the position for Mills. Highly touted QB Anthony Morelli (out of the Pittsburgh area) will join the team in the fall, giving coaches plenty of depth at the position.

Running Back
Tailbacks Austin Scott and Tony Hunt were two of only four true freshmen to play at PSU last season. Austin Scott led the team, carrying the ball at a rate of 4.4 ypc to go along with his six TDs. His future looks extremely bright, given his strong running skills, quickness and ability to catch the ball (seven catches for 47 yards). New offensive coordinator Galen Hall has (seemingly) adapted the offense during the spring to fit Scott's ability. Keep an eye out for fifth-year senior Mike Gasparato, who did not play last year due to injury. Gasparato was one of a handful of fifth-year seniors to raise eyebrows this spring, which grants the Nittany Lions a chance to finally put some elder leadership in the backfield. One of the biggest losses is at fullback, where Sean McHugh was awarded the squad's Senior MVP. Fortunately, Paul Jefferson has stepped up and emerged into what some coaches referred to this spring as the team's best offensive weapon next to QB Mills.

Wide Receiver and Tight End
The bad news: the top five pass catchers from last fall have departed, including two receivers and two tight ends, creating fresh competition. Gerald Smith is one of four returning lettermen; the unit will evolve from there. Smith missed a couple of games late in '03 after suffering a mild concussion. His leadership will be extremely crucial with this inexperienced group. Junior Terrance Phillips did lead the team with a 17.0 average, but beyond that, it's new faces and names. Is this really good news? In 2003, the wide outs were, simply put, horrible, and that's according to Paterno! They tried hard, but were confused at times. By not running a route the same way twice in a row, the QBs had some indecision - they were not sure of what was (going to be) happening downfield. Although it's easy to place blame on the QB in a difficult/losing season, the bottom line is that these PSU receivers must be better by leaps and bounds in route running. The TE position is a major part of that inexperience equation. Count them - three TEs are listed as key losses (Williams, Lukac and Kranchick). The only returning TE who saw much time period was Isaac Smolko and his one catch versus Purdue. Whew, when looking at the receivers and TEs as a whole, one cannot help but envision the same problems continuing to plague this offensive facet to start.

Offensive Line
One of the biggest gambles prior to the fall was shifting Levi Brown from the other side of the ball to this one (DT to OT). Legends were beginning to formulate around Brown as a defensive stalwart before this offensive calling. The gamble panned out well as the 6-5, 311 pound Brown started all 12 games at left tackle, which now gives new offensive coach Galen Hall a place to start up front. The most unheralded but important news with Hall this off-season is the stressing of "zone" blocking schemes now being utilized across the line. It is Hall's belief that with RBs like Scott, Gasparato and Hunt, a "zone" blocking philosophy will better suit the Nittany Lions…a very interesting development, to say the least. The best competition is at right tackle, where a battle between four different players is taking place. Former TE Andrew Richardson has put on 26 pounds and appears to have first dibs, although all four players will likely see time. The top man at center is E.Z. Smith. Although not listed as a returning starter, Smith lettered in 2002 after starting six games at guard. He did not play in 2003 but has rejoined the team. Both starting guards return in Tyler Reed and Charles Rush, providing PSU will a solid pair of 300-pound anchors in the middle.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Is the glass is half empty or half full? That question, when answered, will help to describe this offensive unit for '04. The offensive line and QB play will be their biggest and best assets. They are complete with size, experience and depth. If Penn State is to make a move for the better, the OL just has to get the job done, especially considering the talent level up front. Despite having top quality QBs, the receiver issues (along with the marginal run-blocking, which reflects underachievement) have allowed defenses to make Penn State look foolish on recent occasion(s). Since TB Austin Scott is no longer a freshman, if he cannot start producing consistent 100-yard games, then the pressure again falls on Mills to locate (covered) receivers. Aiding the OL is a fullback that will surprise a good many. Some coaches have stated Jefferson is the best offensive player on the field. His running, receiving and, most importantly, his blocking abilities, have the potential to move the line to that next level. Although, if Penn State's best option outside of Mills is at FB, this offense is likely in big trouble…again. Get those receivers working, period.

Defensive Line
When dissecting the depth chart, Penn State shows five players that started at least five games in '03. Then there's the addition of PSU's potential all-Big Ten performer Derek Wake splitting time at DE and OLB, depending on the alignment. Wake started 10 games in 2003 at OLB, racking up a team-leading four sacks. His quickness and desire can best be expressed with another proof-in-the-puddin' number - Wake has managed six career-blocked kicks. The DEs go two-deep in terms of possessing starting experience. On the other side is a combo of juniors Tamba Hali and Lavon Chisley. Hali has played in the last 24 games and returns as the Nittany Lions' second-most experienced lineman. Nagging injuries hampered him in '03, but he still managed to post some outstanding efforts. Chisley is agile and quick with a generous wingspan, which explains his five pass breakups. On the inside, Jay Alford rebounded from a knee sprain suffered in the 2003 season-opener to start the final eight. Beside him is the tenacious Scott Paxson, who began to emerge as well. The improvement in the heart of the line over the course of 12 months will surely be a huge asset, but no doubt the strength of this front exists on the outside.

Linebacker
One of the players you want to keep an eye on is sophomore OLB Paul Posluszny, who is starting to turn the corner in terms of meeting expectations. The Aliquippa, PA native was a Pennsylvania High School Player Of The Year selection by numerous sources. He wasted little time proving his point, debuting in the fifth game as just a true freshman. He can play the middle as well as the outside, and should certainly leave his mark over the course of the next three seasons. Tim Shaw had an excellent spring practice, good enough to earn a starting spot at the other OLB position. He has added an additional 15 pounds and recorded a 4.35 40-yard dash this past April at the Coaches Clinic. Backing him up is a true freshman (Parade's top prep linebacker in 2003) in Dan Connor, who graduated from high school early and enrolled in January. The reasons for moving former LB Derek Wake to the DL suddenly becomes quite plain and simple...talent abounds here. In the middle is converted FB BranDon Snow. His versatility is being expanded upon further - he also has seen practice time at the TB position.

Defensive Back
The Nittany Lions led the Big Ten in 2003 pass defense. Much of that had to do with the quick and athletic CB Alan Zemaitis, who is PSU's best early hope for placing a name on any first-team All-Big Ten lists. He emerged in '03 as the most consistent player on the squad while finishing tied for fourth in conference interceptions with four (to go with 18 pass breakups). The graduation of Rich Gardner at the other corner has created a vacancy for which Anwar Phillips will be a strong contender. However, his playing experience is limited. In an effort to bolster the position, Donnie Johnson has been moved to CB from his TB and WR positions on offense. The safety position returns four experienced players, led by senior Andrew Guman and Chris Harrell, who split the starts at free safety last season. Both can play either the position or the strong safety spot (HERO) well, a huge asset, especially in veterans. Calvin Lowry will see a larger role in the secondary after returning from a broken leg that ended his true freshman season of 2002. Lowry is also the team's top return man on both punts and kickoffs.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
This group is primed to help turn the tables on the recent PSU skid. Who said Joe Paterno is lagging in the recruiting department? Maybe offensively to some degree, but a quick glance at the young stars on the defensive side should leave no question - local talent is starting to stay in-state once again, especially at LB. Here, Penn State will begin to reclaim some of the position's glory. Opponents will find it extremely difficult when testing the outside. Some very fine studs holding down the DE and OLB positions. If there are to be any questions, one finds them in the heart of the front-seven. Even though improvements have been made in the middle, the move of Levi Brown to the OL has created an empty space. When considering the strong pass defense stats of '03, remember, the Nittany Lions gave up 209 yards rushing per game last season, which ranked 104th nationally and next to last in the conference (only ahead of Illinois). With due respect to PSU's assets, being strong on the outside and on pass defense is not the foundation for a winning Big Ten equation. The secondary will go a long way to providing the rest of the winning equation if the front defenders can learn to hold their own.