Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/155994
CARRYING ON Belton reportedly looked good during the early stages of preseason practice. "I like his versatility," running backs coach Charles London said. Tim Owen put more effort into doing the little things. Basically, that's where I am now." Belton's off-season was not the clean slate he might have been hoping for. He was bothered by ankle trouble in the spring and didn't play in the BlueWhite Game. Nor was he involved in Lift for Life in July, as he was focused this summer on improving his grades. But O'Brien sounded confident at media day that Belton would be OK academically, and both he and London were pleased with the speed and decisiveness that the 5-foot-10, 205pounder showed in the first few days of preseason practice. If all goes well on the field and off, Belton figures to make an impact this fall, even if he's splitting time in the backfield with Zwinak and redshirt freshman Akeel Lynch. "I like his versatility," London said. "He played quarterback in high school, so he understands defenses, understands conceptually what we're trying to do. Obviously, he's very elusive. He has great quickness and he's improved tremendously on his pass protection. And he's a threat in the passing game, as well. He's a guy you could split out. You can put him in the slot. You can do a lot of things with him." Belton said he's ready for anything this fall, and that includes kick returns. He led the Nittany Lions with nine returns last year and may reprise the role, although the coaches are auditioning some players after Penn State ranked last in the Big Ten in 2012 with an 18.1-yard average. He would also be happy to give the wildcat another try, too. The Lions didn't use the formation at all last year after the previous coaching staff deployed it in the final three games of the 2011 season, but there's no telling what the new season will bring. After a year in O'Brien's offense, Belton said he understands his assignments and the coaching staff's expectations. Although the previous sea- son didn't go the way he had hoped it would, he hasn't lost faith. "I know what I can do," he said. "I'm not doubting myself. I had no doubts before the injury happened. That's just what happened at the time; it wasn't meant to be. So basically this year I'm working my behind off and doing what I I've gotta do."