It's a zesty running back, topped with great vision, finished with agility, and best if served behind a full-bodied offensive line. And it may turn out to be the featured dish in the Nittany Lions' multifaceted offense.

Through the first six games of the season, though, it's been just one entrée as Penn State's spread offense has diced through weaker opposition. But with the season hinging on a three-game stretch set to begin Saturday at Wisconsin, Royster may have to be more than just a surprise.

"I tell people all the time he's the total package," quarterback Daryll Clark said. "He can run-block, pass-block, catch out of the backfield, and do what he does best, and that's run the ball with great vision."

The "surprise" in the Royster Surprise isn't that he's become the Lions' featured tailback. The hype has been on slow burn since last preseason. It's that the redshirt sophomore has gotten this good this fast and is already generating some mild Heisman Trophy buzz.

"To be totally honest with you, I'm probably a little surprised he's had that much success," coach Joe Paterno said last week. "But I've always said he was a good back."

With just 84 carries, Royster has rushed for 659 yards and eight touchdowns, eclipsing the 100-yard barrier in four games. His 7.8 yards a tote has him hanging in rarified Penn State air, along with Larry Johnson (7.7 yards per in 2002) and Ki-Jana Carter (7.8 in 1994).

"I really didn't know what to expect this season," Royster said. "I came in here thinking that I needed to play as hard as I could. I have a great offensive line. . . . I really can't take much credit for it."

Royster isn't being just Penn State-typically modest. The offensive line is among the program's best and is likely its most cohesive since the 1994 unit. But it's just one component. There's the dual-threat Clark, of course; a trio of senior wideouts; and a handful of options on the ground and through the air.

But it's been Royster who has become more of a focal point on offense. Last week against Purdue, for instance, the 6-foot-1, 211-pound tailback finished with 141 yards on 18 carries. But he also had career highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (53).

As the schedule and the weather toughen, the Lions may revert somewhat to their traditional offense and thus rely more on the between-the-tackles Royster. While Penn State's No. 6 ranking has increased Royster's - and Clark's - national profile, a breakout performance in one of the next three nationally broadcast games could bolster either's Heisman candidacy. After Wisconsin, there's Michigan at home and then a trip to Ohio State.

"It's a ridiculous thought right now," Royster said of his Heisman chances. "There are so many great players out there. To even be thought as someone that could be up there with all of them, it's an unbelievable thought, because two years ago I wasn't even playing."

Royster entered Penn State as a mildly sought-after recruit. With three running backs ahead of him, he was redshirted his first year, but his play on the scout team had the veterans trumpeting his future. Even ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit predicted last August that Royster's would be a household name by October.

Herbstreit was off by a year. Even after Austin Scott was suspended from the team, Royster was simply used to complement senior Rodney Kinlaw last season. He ran for 513 yards and five touchdowns, but it was clear he was slated to become the Next Great Tailback in Happy Valley.

He's "a good, solid back - a tough kid, good eyes, good feet," Paterno said. "And a very coachable kid."

But just as Royster made waves as a redshirt, there was another kid rousing the scout team tides.

Stephfon Green entered the spring as the Next Big Thing, and suddenly Royster had some competition.

"It definitely pushed me to get better," Royster said. "My mom and my friends joked with me and said stuff like, 'You're going to lose your spot.' "

But he stoked his fire, won the starter's spot, and now Green (53 carries for 368 yards and four TDs) is the side to Royster's main course.