Penn State has many slots to fill

Finding replacements at quarterback and the three linebacker positions was the challenge facing Penn State coach Joe Paterno as the Nittany Lions began spring practice yesterday.

The Lions return 13 starters - seven on offense, five on defense, and kicker Collin Wagner - from a squad that went 11-2 last season, won the Capital One Bowl against Louisiana State, and was ranked No. 9 in the final Associated Press poll.

With two-year starting quarterback Daryll Clark gone, the Lions will look at three quarterbacks during the 15 days of drills leading up to the Blue-White Game on April 24.

Paterno insists there is no front-runner at the quarterback position. Freshman Kevin Newsome was the only returning quarterback to take meaningful snaps in a game. He will be joined by redshirt freshman Matt McGloin and Paul Jones, who enrolled in January after graduating early from Sto-Rox High School near Pittsburgh.

Another incoming freshman quarterback, Robert Bolden of Orchard Lake, Mich., will enroll in the summer.

Penn State also is looking for three new starting linebackers to replace Navorro Bowman, Josh Hull and Sean Lee. Sophomore Michael Mauti, who missed the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, will be kept out of spring drills but is considered a strong candidate to start when healthy.