For Penn State, no favorite at QB


Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.

Penn State quarterback coach Jay Paterno likens learning the position to comprehending a second language — things come easier once a student becomes fluent with the basics.

If that’s the case, Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have impressed coaches this spring since they’re at the head of a four-member class of quarterbacks vying for the starting job.

After switching from freshman Bolden to sophomore McGloin last season, Penn State needs to settle on a starter — again.

“When you have competition, everyone’s on their toes,” Paterno, son of coach Joe Paterno, said.

The other two candidates in the quarterback derby are rising junior Kevin Newsome and redshirt freshman Paul Jones, another touted prospect.

When asked if the competition was open, the younger Paterno responded “Absolutely,” though Bolden and McGloin were getting more reps than the other two and were further ahead given their playing time last year.

The hope is the built-in familiarity leads to the ability to pick up more intricacies with the offense and offer more leadership.

“We’ve got them to the point where they’re fluent in the language of our offense now,” Paterno said. “Now that’s when you start to lead.”

In 2010, Bolden was the first freshman to open the season at quarterback in Paterno’s 45-year head-coaching tenure. He started eight games, but suffered a concussion against Minnesota.

Bolden lost the job two weeks later to McGloin after getting pulled vs. Northwestern in Paterno’s milestone 400th career victory. The rags-to-riches season for McGloin, a former walk-on, ended with the player teammates call a “gunslinger” throwing five interceptions in a 37-24 loss to Florida at the Outback Bowl.

Jay Paterno said it’s unknown whether the boss would want to decide on a starter after spring ball ends or to keep the competition going through preseason camp in August.

And by then, the crowded field may be narrowed anyway if Bolden and Newsome follow through on earlier dalliances this winter with leaving school. They both returned, though in Bolden’s case it was only after the head coach denied his request to transfer.

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More