Tyrell Sales is ready to get back in the game.

The 2004 Butler graduate and redshirt freshman linebacker at Penn State University is No. 2 on the depth chart at middle linebacker as the Nittany Lions prepare to open camp Aug. 8.

"It's been a long time since I've played," Sales said. "I've done everything the coaches have asked and I've worked hard to make myself the quality athlete that's required to play at this level.

"I know I became a better player from the beginning of spring camp to the end. But when summer camp starts, you start all over."

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Sales led the Blue team with seven tackles during the abbreviated Blue and White Game last spring. The game was stopped because of lightning in the third quarter.

Sales is listed as No. 2 on the depth chart at outside linebacker on Penn State's football Web site behind tri-captain Paul Posluszny.

The coaches moved Sales to middle linebacker late in spring practice, where he is now No. 2 behind Tim Shaw.

"It depends what depth chart you look at as to what position I'm at," Sales said. "Right now, I'm in the middle, but to me, it doesn't matter.

"I've seen time at all three linebacker spots. Whether I'm behind Paul, Tim or Dan Connor makes no difference. They're all great players who have proven they can play at this level."

Posluszny led the Nittany Lions with 104 total tackles - 52 solo - last season. He had 12 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks.

That's the type of impact player Sales wants to become.

"I was starting to feel comfortable with everything toward the end of spring ball," he said. "I knew the system and everything, but the game is so much faster than I'm used to.

"You have to read things quicker. I had some trouble reacting to the misdirection and play-action. I've never had to play at this speed in my career."

He's never been listed No. 2 on a depth chart in his career, either.

"I've never played behind anybody," Sales said. "We have a lot of quality linebackers in camp and the best three are going to play. That's how I look at it.

"The positive for me right now is I have four years of eligibility and I'm going to see playing time this year. It's up to me to prove I deserve more."

Penn State was the only team in the nation that didn't allow as many as 21 points in a game last season.

Despite the team's 4-7 record, the Nittany Lions allowed only 14 touchdowns in 11 games and ranked No. 10 in total defense.

"There's a sense of pride in being associated with a defense like that," Sales said.

Penn State has 34 lettermen and 18 starters returning from last year. Entering their 13th season in the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions are 96-49 in Big Ten play.

Joe Paterno enters his 40th year as head coach, sporting a 343-116-3 record.

"When he recruited us, he said we'd be part of his last recruiting class, the class that was going to help him go out on top," Sales said. "If we turn it around this year and get to a decent bowl game, I can see him stepping out after the season.

"But the man still has a lot of energy left. I can see him sticking around for a few more years. Bottom line, he wants to win and so do we."

Penn State opens the 2005 season Sept. 3, hosting South Florida.