Youth making a big impact
STATE COLLEGE — The generational gap at Penn State is working out quite nicely for Joe Paterno.
Sophomore Maurice Evans (12Z\x sacks) is a star in the making at defensive end. Redshirt freshman Evan Royster ran for a career-high 126 yards last week against Purdue. Sophomore A.J. Wallace, a speedy threat in the kick return game, has become a key reserve at cornerback.
Paterno has fretted often this season about inexperience at key positions. Ten games into the season, many of those young Nittany Lions (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) are rewarding their 80-year-old coach's confidence.
Even Evans is a little surprised by his own play.
"I just expected to have an average season, being a first-time starter," said Evans, third in the nation in sacks. "So I didn't expect things to be like this at all."
The youth movement could bode well for the future for the Nittany Lions. Just three seniors have started regularly this season for Paterno in his record 42nd season as head coach.
Middle linebacker Dan Connor is the headliner on defense, but there's plenty of young talent behind him, led by junior standout Sean Lee. Senior Rodney Kinlaw and Royster have taken over at tailback and made fans forget about Austin Scott, who was suspended last month before authorities charged him with rape.
The third senior, quarterback Anthony Morelli, has quietly put together a solid four-game stretch — save for a couple missteps against Ohio State — after midseason struggles at Michigan and Illinois.
The offensive line, which regularly features three juniors and sophomore right tackle Dennis Landolt, has been solid. Several players have rotated in at right guard, including freshman Stefen Wisniewski, sophomore Mike Lucian and senior John Shaw."I'd like to think I've done a fairly decent job. I've got a lot to learn in terms of the caliber of guys you face at defensive end," Landolt said. "Some of the recognition of defensive fronts and stunts have gotten easier. Some things have slowed down."Evans is one of a gaggle of sophomore defensive linemen who have had growing pains but played relatively well this season given their inexperience.Some of it may have to do with the kind of athletes Penn State is recruiting. When scouting players, Paterno said he keeps an eye out for guys who might excel in sports other than football.Such is the case with Royster, whose more physical style complements Kinlaw's slashing techniques. Royster impressed Paterno with his academics and lacrosse play in high school.<B>Notes:</B> Victories on Saturday at Temple and in the season finale Nov. 17 at Michigan State might send Penn State to another New Year's Day bowl in Florida. ... Connor on Wednesday was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player.
