PENN STATE Youth movement taking root

Coach Joe Paterno has resorted to some freshmen in roles previously occupied by veterans.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Mark Rubin has moved into a starting spot. Dan Connor has more tackles than the senior he's backing up.
At Penn State, where coach Joe Paterno favors veterans over talented youngsters, this constitutes a youth movement.
Going into Saturday's game against No. 9 Purdue (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten), six true freshmen have played for the Nittany Lions (2-3, 0-2) -- linebacker Connor, fullback Matt Hahn, tight end Jordan Lyons, quarterback Anthony Morelli, defensive lineman Elijah Robinson and wide receiver Rubin.
Example
Morelli, a highly touted recruit who came to Penn State after originally committing to Pittsburgh, got the most attention when he took the field in Penn State's opener against Akron. But playing behind senior Zack Mills and the do-it-all Michael Robinson, Morelli's chances have been limited.
Instead, it's been Connor and Rubin who have made the biggest mark. Connor, who graduated early and practiced with Penn State in the spring, is tied for fifth in tackles and is one of just seven players who has recorded a sack this year. Rubin, who has played in just two games, already ranks fifth among Penn State's receivers.
Why the sudden influx of youth?
Failed expectations
"You can only play somebody who doesn't do the job for so long," Paterno said. "We have kids who have worked really hard to get good, and sometimes in practice they look like they're just on the verge of being the kind of people you can win those kinds of games with ... and then they don't do it in the game. You've got to sit back and say, 'Is there somebody else who can do it?"'
Rubin and Hahn almost helped Penn State make a comeback last week at Minnesota. Rubin was Penn State's second-leading receiver against the Gophers, with six catches for 60 yards in his first career start. Hahn added two catches for 21 yards.
As well as they might play, freshmen aren't allowed to talk to the media at Penn State. But there are plenty of older players willing to talk about this group.
Endorsement
"Dan Connor, he's a great player. He's going to be something special here, especially once he puts a little more weight on," safety Andrew Guman said. "And I was also impressed with the guys who stepped in Saturday, with Rubin and Hahn. They were called upon and they made things happen. That's what we need."
It's also what Penn State isn't getting out of its veterans.
Derek Wake, a senior captain who starts in front of Connor, has 22 tackles this year, three fewer than the freshman. And Rubin wouldn't be starting -- might not even be playing -- if Terrance Phillips and Kinta Palmer weren't dropping so many passes.
Still, it's more than just skill that has put these freshmen in the spotlight.
"I wouldn't say they're a lot better than the other guys on the team, but they're working hard," guard Scott Davis said. "They're determined, is what they are right now."