STATE COLLEGE — Making sure star quarterback Daryll Clark stays protected is one of Joe Paterno's top priorities this season at Penn State.

It's no wonder the Hall of Fame coach said that the Nittany Lions' offensive line is his biggest concern less than a week into training camp.

Three solid starters are gone. The two returnees have been moved to new positions, and the candidates for the remaining jobs are inexperienced.

The last thing Paterno wanted to talk about at preseason media day Thursday was depth.

"First you got to get one line. We don't have one line yet. We don't have depth," Paterno said.

Paterno said the next three-plus weeks before the season opener Sept. 5 against Akron will be audition time to find "five guys that can stay healthy, provide some leadership on the offensive line."

Last year's line protected Clark well, giving the run-pass threat a chance to shine in his first season leading Penn State's dangerous "Spread HD" offense. Clark threw for 2,592 yards and 19 touchdowns, and ran for 282 and 10 scores.

This year, Clark is half of Penn State's standout backfield duo, joining tailback Evan Royster (1,236 yards, 12 TDs) as potential dark horse contenders for the Heisman Trophy.

With three new receivers to break in, too, the early focus on offense may be on the running game and play-action schemes.

Playing the role of team captain to a tee, Clark professed confidence in his offensive line.

"I'll go to bat with those guys any time," Clark said. "They are progressing, and I knew right off the bat it wasn't going to be where we wanted it right away. It's the O-line. It takes the longest to jell."