Blue White Illustrated

out volleyball player at Marian and went on to make her mark at Lehigh University. So when the media first began taking an interest in Christian, his parents set limits so that he didn't end up talking to every reporter who called. When he began making regular appearances on national television, they advised him to stay humble. They knew that if big-time football was truly his dream, there was no running from the press. Use the coverage to your advantage, they told him, but don't lose perspective. "It's about understanding that the responsibility has to be taken seriously," Erick said. "There are little eyes looking up to you and watching you all the time. You have to really understand that the situation you're in is a privilege. That's something we've always talked about – how to handle [publicity] from a maturity standpoint. There are times when you can tell that he's frustrated, but he'll continue to do the right thing and he'll smile." In his perfect world, Hackenberg would probably face fewer video cameras, voice recorders and flash photography. "Publicity, whatever," he said. "At the end of the day, I'm just about playing football, and it's more about the team to me than any of that type of stuff." But he has worked his entire life for this exact opportunity. He's wanted to be a Division I football player since he first tossed the pigskin, and as he, his parents and high school coach have pointed out, the media trail is – and will continue to be – part of the package. On a campus like Penn State's, which includes the second-largest stadium in college football, that media trail turns into a fan club sooner or later. And some of its most loyal members could be sitting | keel Lynch didn't get the news until halftime of Penn State's home opener against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 7. His number was being retired in honor of John Cappelletti, who had worn No. 22 when he won the Heisman Trophy in 1973, as part of an undefeated Penn State team. Lynch knew all about Cappelletti. He had wanted No. 5 when he came to Penn State, but equipment manager Spider Caldwell had handed him No. 22 and mentioned that the number had a rich history. Lynch said he had made it his business to learn about the number's legacy. He said after the Blue-White Game that he was proud to wear it. And he's thrilled that he gets to keep it. Cappelletti sought him out in the locker room after the East- A ern Michigan game and assured him that the number belonged to Lynch until his Penn State career was over. "Thank God — I don't want to change my number," Lynch said. "This is a beautiful number." Lynch was equally happy to see his first action as a Nittany Lion. The redshirt freshman carried 13 times for 108 yards and a touchdown — and that touchdown was important, he stressed with a big grin after the game. Lynch not only played well, but showed he had captured the fans' attention. Lynch, a Canadian, said the fourth-quarter "USA" chants were his favorite part of the game, and he shook the hand of the fan who made a "Big Maple" sign in his honor. next to him in Econ 002, or at the adjacent breakfast table. Anyone who remembers their freshman year surely knows that the first year away from home can be stressful enough. And few of us were public figures. Coach Bill O'Brien is well aware of the scrutiny that Hackenberg has received on campus and beyond and has worked to ease his transition into the major-college spotlight. "It's something I think about a lot," O'Brien said. "Eighteen years old, being the starting quarterback at Penn State, that's a big deal – everybody understands that." When he's on campus, though, Hackenberg likes to keep to himself. Maybe the headphones will be plugged into his ears, and the hood up, especially as the weather grows colder. He is there to take care of his classwork. Academics are a priority, he said, but football is the incentive. "People understand that I usually just try to keep my head down," Hackenberg said. "I just want to be recognized as a regular student during the day. I'm here doing the same thing that everyone else is, just trying to get an education, but I just play football as well." He's enrolled mostly in general education classes as he waits to officially decide what his major will be. He gives credit to the academic support staff inside the Lasch Building for making his first couple semesters a little more manageable. But as he lightheartedly admitted, dealing with the academic workload, the scrutiny that comes with the starting QB position, and a small bout of homesickness has been the most complicated part of his first few months as a college student. Reading a cover two defense or checking out of a run play and into a pass on fourth down – which he seamlessly did against Eastern Michigan when he threw a 5-yard quick hitter to Brandon Felder for a first down in the third quarter – is simple by comparison. "Finally away on my own, it's been kind of difficult at times, just getting myself acclimated in the classroom," he said. "Football is the easy part." Easy, maybe, but no college transition ever goes flawlessly. Although he began the opener vs. Syracuse with six consec-

• Cover