Would you consider transferring?

Two days after being told he wasn't the starting quarterback for Penn State's opener Saturday, Devlin was openly disappointed, yet candid, in a conference call yesterday.

When he was asked if he would entertain the idea of leaving State College - since starter Daryll Clark will also be eligible in 2009 - the redshirt sophomore gave a measured response.

"I don't think so," Devlin said carefully. "Right now, I've been consumed with this, fighting for the job. As of now, I'm just going to work hard and do my thing."

It's important to note that Clark has not been guaranteed the starting job past Week 1. However, coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday that he doesn't want the senior "looking over his shoulder" and has emphasized his desire to stick with a one-quarterback system.

Devlin, a 6-foot-4, 222-pound product of Downingtown East, is expected to see significant playing time Saturday against Coastal Carolina. The actual game might be his best opportunity to make his case for more playing time, if not the starting position. Of course, if he plays - thus burning one year of eligibility - a transfer would become less likely.

Devlin has three years of eligibility remaining. If he were to transfer to another Bowl Subdivision program he would have to sit out a season. He could, however, transfer to a Football Subdivision team and not lose a year were Penn State to release him from his scholarship.

During spring and preseason practice, Devlin said he wouldn't transfer if he were to finish runner-up. His father, Mark, said last night that Devlin is not a quitter.

"We believe in Jimmy V," he said referring to the late inspirational basketball coach Jimmy Valvano. " 'Don't give up. Don't ever give up.' And Pat believes in Jimmy V, too. . . . Sooner or later it's going to work out."

Devlin said yesterday that he received close to an equal amount of reps with the first team. Still, he couldn't pinpoint exactly where he had come up short.

"I don't feel like I really lost the job," Devlin said, adding: "I never remember any point where I felt like, 'Man, I lost the job today.' "

Devlin said he fumbled once during a scrimmage and tossed a few interceptions, but if anything, he felt like he cut down on his turnovers. He had a meeting with quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno yesterday and was told Clark was a little more accurate.

"If that's what the stats say, that's what the stats say," Devlin said.

At Downingtown East, Devlin became the state's all-time leader in passing. As a blue-chip recruit, he originally committed to Miami but switched to Penn State. He was redshirted his first year and played in only three games last year, throwing one pass.

Clark didn't play much during the last two seasons, attempting only 36 passes, but was inserted into the offense in last year's Alamo Bowl and ran for 50 yards and a touchdown on six carries. The senior is on a pace to earn back the year of eligibility he lost as a freshman at prep school. He said yesterday that he plans on using it.

That could mean Devlin - were he to stay - would likely have to wait until his final season to start.

"It really wears on you a little bit," Devlin said. "I came out to practice [Tuesday] and kind of had a slow start, so you got to think that could have played a part in it. You've just got to get back on the horse and keep working hard."