Beachum getting looks at Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — A year ago, Evan Royster wasn’t sure that he would even see the field. But as the 2008 season approaches, Penn State’s sophomore tailback says he expects — and welcomes — more responsibility.

“I think I’m ready,” Royster said. “But I think we’re all ready. We’re all ready to be big-time backs.”

Such confidence will be welcomed by coach Joe Paterno, who likes to pound away at opposing defenses. The running game figures to remain a big part of the Nittany Lion offense even as Penn State transitions to more of a spread attack this season.

Royster may not be the only threat in the Nittany Lions’ backfield this season.

Fellow sophomore Brent Carter, who was impressive in limited spot duty late last year, also returns. True freshman Brandon Beachum, the Mooney High graduate, turned heads during spring practices after enrolling in January.

Then there’s Stephfon Green, the redshirt freshman with track-star speed from the Bronx who has had fans buzzing since his 57-yard touchdown run during Penn State’s spring game.

Penn State’s running game could have a different look than in recent years, when powerful tailbacks such as Larry Johnson and Tony Hunt churned out yards between the tackles.

The spread that offensive coordinator Galen Hall and quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno plan to employ could include the option. That would allow the Nittany Lions to take advantage of the running ability of former Ursuline High standout Daryll Clark, who is competing with Pat Devlin for the starting quarterback job.

Devlin might also be athletic enough to run the option, though he is thought to be the better passer of the two. Whoever starts at quarterback, the spread attack could also give Royster and Green opportunities to get the ball in open space.

“It’s been working out real well so far,” Royster said. “We’re still trying to get the mesh point together. It’ll all come. It just takes a little bit of practice.”