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spring than they did a year ago, when the team's personnel shortages dictated a more cautious approach. "I want to be more aggressive during spring, because if we have some issues, you still have some time," he said. "Dur- ing [preseason] camp, we've got to be really smart because we're still limited. But right now, we want to get the mental and physical toughness from morning workouts as well as from spring ball, and if you get a bump or a bruise or a scratch now, we've got time. We've got time to solve that problem before the start of camp." 6 Early reports regarding Penn State's tailbacks have been positive. Al- though Akeel Lynch is shaping up to be the team's workhorse, three redshirt freshman tailbacks have been produc- tive so far. "I think Nick Scott is really showing some flashes. I think Akeel is really showing some flashes. I think even Mark Allen has done some nice things," Franklin said. "What I like is that we're being a lot more definitive. There's less hesitation, we're getting downhill, we're keeping our shoulders square and we're just so much stronger and more explosive than we were last year. So I've been pleased with that group. "We've still got a long way to go, but Akeel is looking like the workhorse that we think he can be, and some of the young guys that we were excited about are showing some pretty good signs." 7 A quick update on Ben Kline and Adam Breneman, both of whom are coming o8 season-long injuries last year: Everything has gone pretty much as expected here. "Kline has been out for a long time. Breneman has been out for a long time," Franklin said. "So to think they're going to come in from the 7rst day of spring ball and be full-go and see no residual e8ects from it, that's not going to hap- pen." ■ P R E V I E W W E B S U R V E Y Offensive line and pass protection, Hack and his chemistry with the re- ceivers, the defensive backfield, cornerbacks in particular. In the order I stat- ed. rmj111 New faces from the 2014 redshirt recruits and transfers, especially Paris Palmer. bcrane1917 The buffet: I'll be looking at the spread formation, if there are lots of options, size of the beef on the line, if the baby backs look ready, and just generally keeping my eye on what's cookin'. nitneelyin I will be paying attention to see if the offense runs more smoothly than last year, to see if they improved on knowledge of the playbook and team chem- istry and to see if team depth has improved and if getting plays in from the sideline has improved, and also see how fast the team speed is. I wish I could also see if any special team returners were legit. beaver stadium Offensive line and defensive line. Play of the linebackers (especially backups and younger players). The running backs: Do they see the hole, do they hit the hole and do they block? The crowd: If weather is nice, will we get 80,000 or more? henrymale 1. Overall team speed. Are they coming off the ball on offense and defense? 2. What type of routes are the wide receivers and tight ends running? 3. Kicking. Range of field goals/flight and hang time and distance of punts. 4. I think who is at center on the offensive line is going to be key but may need to wait until fall. PSUinCAfan The two-minute drill on both sides of the ball. ColinPSU "Iceman" Trace McSorley... the reason Wimbush picked Notre Dame. Can't wait. NYNY The offensive line and the "new" playcalling. I want to see how the offense changes with an improved offensive line. AngryOtter Blue sky and sunshine. Fayette_LION What will you be watching most closely in the spring game?

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