Friday Night Linkage is considering a wingback

Going over Joe Paterno's press conference transcript from Thursday's media day, there are a few things to notice -- JoePa's comments on the offensive line, the running backs, injuries, and pretending that he doesn't know what the media is talking about, ever.

We'll have all that and more in tonight's inaugural Friday Night Linkage.

• Joe Paterno hinted that we could see more Evan Royster and Stephfon Green on the field at the same time.

"Green can be a really good running back. Green has got explosive speed. You know, we would have the ability to play Green at tailback and Royster as a slot back. Royster is a good receiver. He's an excellent athlete, an all around athlete... [we could] put Royster at slot or put him as a wing or do something with him."

• I called this months ago, and some had the gall to doubt my infinite wisdom. Well, looks like Paterno is looking at Graham Zug as a potential punt return specialist.

"We have (Graham) Zug back there catching punts. And, there again, we have eight or nine guys catching punts every day, trying to figure out which guy is going to be the most consistent... But we know Royster can do it, Zug could do it."

• The biggest news on the offense is up front, as Dennis Landolt will go left side, and Deonte Pannell will go right side. Paterno knows experience could mean the difference between Daryll Clark surviving this year.

"Landolt is a better tackle now. Landolt is a pretty good tackle. Pannell is just a kid; was a true freshman last year. He didn't play that much either. Played some. I mean, it would be foolish to put Pannell over there. We had him there last year, but we had him there because we didn't have anybody behind Cadogan."

• I was sorry to hear earlier this week about Devin Fentress (graduated this spring), but more so about J.B. Walton. So was Paterno.

"[Walton]'s got a learning disability that we can't do a good job with here. We looked all over for a place where he could go where they could help him... But we couldn't do the job for him academically that I think he's entitled to. And we had to bite the bullet there."

You have to respect Walton, and Paterno, for putting academics first.

• There's really a ton more of juicy info in the transcript, so you should all go and read it through. But I'll wrap up this transcript rundown with some good ole JoePa.

Reporter: You have a high number of big time players returning on this team. Do you remember another season where you've had that type of talent return, yet have so many holes to fill at key positions?

Paterno: Well, I don't know. I'm not sure I know where you're coming from with, what did you call them? Big play what?

It wouldn't be a Joe Paterno press conference without a little gamesmanship with the media folks.

Chip shots...

• Bob Flounders has a nice one-on-one with Navorro Bowman.

• Bernie Fernandez spoke at length with the wide receivers in a basic rundown of that position, while Joe Juliano talks to Penn State's resident Brit, Jack Crawford.

• Eric Thomas looks at the safeties (warning: premium content), Andrew Dailey and Nick Sukay, in what could be a very underrated position race the next few weeks.

• Yes, Penn State cares about academics.

Have a great weekend!