Blue White Game Preview: Offensive backfield

Happy Valley will roar once again this weekend, with the gathering of 70,000-plus Nittany Lion faithful to watch the annual Blue White Game. In advance of this weekend's action, I'll breakdown what we already know about each player and position, and what we should expect to see from them on April 25.

Let's dig in. First up, the quarterbacks, running backs and fullbacks.

QUARTERBACKS

• No. 17, Daryll Clark. Redshirt Senior. Starter.

What we already know: Penn State hasn't been able to enjoy this kind of confidence in its quarterback in more than a decade, if not longer. Clark emerged from his spot as career backup, to be named first-team all-conference last season, with one of the best TD-INT ratios you could ask for (19-6).

What to expect: Going into the Blue White scrimmage, fans can take comfort in knowing that Clark doesn't have to even play, if it weren't for the 70,000+ fans demanding they see some Penn State football on April 25. He could throw 33 percent with a pick or two, and I wouldn't care less. That's because of this next guy...

• No. 12, Kevin Newsome. Grayshirt Freshman. Backup.

What we already know: The prospect of Newsome using this year to learn from a All-Big Ten quarterback, then potentially having a full three years as a starter, should give us immeasurable hope for the future at quarterback. But until the season begins, we'll just have this one game to really see him live. I'm not sure this outing will hurt him in any way, as he's only been on campus for a few months, longer than the regular true freshmen. Newsome is a bit lankier (6-3/215) than Clark (6-2/235), but is reported to have better (yes, better) mobility and arm strength. But we all know that accuracy is what matters most in the offense Penn State runs. It was Clark's bout of inaccuracy that ultimately cost Penn State the Iowa game last year.

What to expect: Newsome will get most of the reps at quarterback in the Blue White Game, which will give the fans a lot to go by. Even if he has a bad day, I think there won't be such an outcry of worry about him, as he's not the only option on the table. Plus, most fans know that this is just one scrimmage, and the regular season is a very long time away. Newsome just has to show that he can complete a few important passes, and use his mobility to escape the certain pressure the defensive line will put on him. Decision making and escape ability is the most important thing to look for.

• No. 11, Matt McGloin. Redshirt Freshman. Backup.

What we already know: Not much, other than Joe Paterno is making McGloin out to be another Paul Cianciolo. That might not be a bad thing. Cianciolo was a great career backup, who really stepped up (Michigan '06) when the team needed him. McGloin reportedly has great arm strength, and can complete his fair share of passes. He's also a half-year ahead of Newsome.

What to expect: McGloin could end up with the most attempts and yards between the three main quarterbacks. We've heard all the reports about his arm strength, but should be curious to see how he handles himself in front of 70,000 people.

• Others to note: No. 15, John Kelly; No. 16, Shane McGregor. Both Freshmen.

What we already know: Next to nothing. Well, other than their jersey numbers. We could see these two in action on April 25, but it will be more symbolic than anything. Paterno and the staff want to get everyone out there at some point.

What to expect: They should have fun. Kelly and McGregor could go their entire careers without playing a regular season down, but they will be part of something very few people have ever been. Be sure to cheer these guys when they do well.

RUNNING BACKS

• No. 22, Evan Royster. Redshirt Junior. Starter.

What we already know: The guy's good, really good. Considering he wasn't used to grind out 30 carries a game, he frequently made the difference between a one-dimentional offense and what we saw last year. Royster went out of the Rose Bowl with an injury after just a few carries, and his absence was felt the rest of the afternoon. Against teams like Oregon State, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State, Royster kept the defenses guessing, while opening up options for the passing game. He's the co-MVP going into the fall.

What to expect: A light day. Royster won't get a lot of carries. However, he might get more than fans think, with the absence of Stephfon Green and Brent Carter due to injuries. Like Clark, no one should be concerned about seeing Royster tear up the field.

• No. 3, Brandon Beachum. Sophomore. Backup.

What we already know: Beachum played sparingly last season, most of his 28 total carries coming in the first four games. His season game high was eight carries for 43 yards and a touchdown in the opener, followed by 12 and 39 yards against Syracuse and Temple, respectively. Beachum is not a rocket like Green, but he has a good downhill style, ala Tony Hunt. He enrolled at Penn State early, in January 2008, giving him a leg up on most of the other 2008 class. Due to Green's and Carter's injuries, Beachum is listed as the No. 2 tailback.

What to expect: After painfully watching every tick of the Rose Bowl, it became glaringly obvious that a good third-string running back isn't something to take for granted. That is precisely why Beachum's development this spring and summer is paramount to the team's success this fall. I will be very curious to see how Beachum performs this Saturday. He will be running up against the first-team defensive front, which is one of the best nationally going into the season. I'm not expecting him to run all over the defense, but he can take pride in his play by just gaining positive yards and helping move the chains. If I find myself looking deeper, his pass blocking will tell a lot about where he'll end up this fall.

• Others to note: RB No. 24 Derek Day. Redshirt Freshman, walk-on.

What we already know: Nothing. He was good enough to make the team as a walk-on, which is more than most of us can say.

What to expect: He'll get his fair share of carries in the Blue White Game, particularly due to the injury-plagued unit he's a part of. He'll have lots of fun out there.

• Out with injuries: No. 21 Stephfon Green and No. 32 Brent Carter, the No. 2 and No. 3 backs in 2008, are both rehabbing injuries.

FULLBACKS

• No. 37 Joe Suhey. Redshirt Sophomore. Starter.

What we already know: Suhey is the most experienced of all the fullbacks going into this season. He carried the ball nine times for 26 yards, in both a tail- and fullback role last year. It's been reported he plays like Matt Hahn did two years ago, in a hybrid-FB style. Suhey is a bit quicker than the average fullback, and catches the ball well, but doesn't have the brute strength of a Dan Lawlor or BranDon Snow.

What to expect: I want to see him catch the ball more. But really that's up to the coaches who call the plays. If Suhey is in fact like Matt Hahn, then he should be used like Matt Hahn. A good, versatile fullback is a potent weapon for a team still developing its wide receivers. Plus, adding him to the passing game would be a nice little wrinkle to get the fans going on Saturday.

• No. 23, Shaine Thompson. Redshirt Sophomore. Backup.

What we already know: Thompson came from the same school (JFK in the Bronx) and team as Stephfon Green. His position could switch again, as he played linebacker last season for the foreign team. For the spring, he was moved to fullback and has actually turned heads. Reports came out this week that he's made some defenders look silly, and could play a bigger role the rest of this off season. He did not accumulate any stats since his arrival at Penn State.

What to expect: Reserve running backs live and die by their ability to pass block, and Thompson is a prime example. If he wants to see playing time this fall, he'll have to solidify his blocking abilities. Thompson is currently at fullback, which means his running skills will come in handy some this weekend, but one sure way to gauge his progress at that position will be in his blocks.

• No. 44, Larry Federoff. Redshirt Senior. Backup.

What we already know: Federoff transferred into Penn State after playing at Edinboro for two seasons. He has been a good sport about his role on the team.

What to expect: Even though he didn't play all four years at Penn State, he's still a senior, and that means something at Penn State. He'll get his playing time in the Blue White Game, but don't expect a huge role this fall.

• • •

Next up...
Tuesday: Tight Ends and Wide Receivers.
Wednesday: Offensive and Defensive Lines.
Thursday: Linebackers and Defensive Backs.
Friday: Special Teams. Last minute updates.
Saturday night: Report from the game, photos, etc.

I'm also finishing up the updated .pdf version of the eligibility depth chart, that you'll be able to take with you to the game. Expect it to be ready tomorrow afternoon.

*Have something to say about this post? Let your voice be heard, in the ZN Message Forum!