W
hen Penn State's spring practice
sessions begin later this month,
everyone's eyes will be on the
quarterback position.
In the wake of Christian Hackenberg's
departure, the competition between
redshirt sophomore Trace McSorley,
redshirt freshman Tommy Stevens and
January enrollee Jake Zembiec will be
the most scrutinized position battle of
the off-season and the No. 1 topic of
discussion by media and fans.
But while the Nittany Lions' quarter-
back sweepstakes are certain to monop-
olize the conversation for the next few
months, the coaching staff will have de-
cisions to make elsewhere on the field.
Listed below are five additional posi-
tional battles that could prove to be just
as consequential to the development of
Penn State's offense and defense for the
upcoming season.
CENTER
SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS Wendy
Laurent (6-2, 290, Sr.), Brian Gaia (6-3,
286, Sr.), Connor McGovern (6-5, 306,
Fr.)
OUTLOOK There's no denying that
Penn State's offensive line turned in a
disappointing performance last season,
but injuries were a factor in its frequent
These five battles
will have an impact
when fall arrives
P E N N S T A T E S P R I N G F O O T B A L L
ANALYSIS
B Y P H I L G R O S Z
EDITOR'S NOTE Lists of scholarship players includes only those who are already on campus and taking part in spring practice.
DIVE PLAY Gesicki,
who will be a junior
this coming fall,
could be an excellent
fit in Moorhead's new
offense, which is ex-
pected to feature the
tight ends promi-
nently in the passing
game.
Photo by
Steve Manuel
