--WR Derrick Williams will be back in the slot, the position at which he did the most damage as a freshman three years ago, this fall. Williams has been productive the past two seasons but has never quite lived up to the billing of the nation's top recruit. The Nittany Lions are hoping to shorten up some routes this season if it means they can improve their yards after the catch, and the elusive Williams could be a big part of that.

--LB Sean Lee was hoping to continue the tradition set by Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor this season, but Lee, the Big Ten's second-leading tackler in 2007, tore the ACL in his right knee the week before the Blue-White spring game and will be lost for the season. Senior Tyrell Sales, junior Josh Hull and a host of talented, inexperienced players will try to collectively pick up the slack without Lee's production.

SPRING MOVERS

TE Andrew Szczerba -- The 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman had an impressive spring even before catching five passes against the first-team defense in the Blue-White scrimmage. Talented -- currently suspended -- starter Andrew Quarless has been in and out of Paterno's doghouse his entire career, which could put the athletic Szczerba on the field earlier than anticipated.

RB Stephfon Green -- The 5-foot-9 redshirt freshman has blazing speed not seen in the Penn State backfield this decade, evidenced by his 57-yard touchdown scamper in the spring game. To earn playing time, though, he must improve his blocking and learn the patience behind his blocks that starter Evan Royster uses so well.

LB Chris Colasanti -- One of the few true freshmen to see the field for Penn State last season, Colasanti will push veteran Josh Hull for playing time in the middle. Coaches love his instincts and toughness but want to see Colasanti improve his technique and his consistency this summer.

OG Stefen Wisniewski -- The true sophomore might already be the best lineman on one of the best offensive lines Penn State has had in the Big Ten era. Wisniewski's rapid development forced the Nittany Lions to send senior Mike Lucian, a productive player at right guard last season, to the second team and another position (center).

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think we have the ability to be a very diverse offensive football team. But there's only one football. There's a lot of guys who have to get their hands on the football. I think our job will be to make sure we get it to the right guy at the right time in the right place in the right situation." -- Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, before the Blue-White spring game.

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