With four losing seasons in the past five years, the critics have been baying at Paterno's door. He has heard the whispers ... that are no longer whispers. It's loud conversation. In his heart of hearts, Paterno may wonder if they are actually right. But he's never going to decide to leave as a result of the pressure brought by some critics. He's a man who wants to do things his way and he wants to get the program back to a successful level. Then, perhaps, he'll consider retirement.

His players seem to believe in him. As Penn State's offense struggled to put points on the board last year (17.7 per game) the defense never let up for a second. Penn State's defense was among the nastiest and most physical in the Big Ten. That's an indicator that his players continue to believe in him.

First and foremost this spring, Paterno has to find himself a quarterback. Michael Robinson is a superb athlete who has been used in a slash role throughout his first three seasons with Penn State. He will get a chance to establish himself a quarterback this spring, but he will also have to beat out sophomore Anthony Morelli if he wants the job.

"Right now Michael, obviously, would be in the lead at quarterback, but I don't think anybody has a locked in position," Paterno said. "We have had a very, very productive winter program. The kids have worked hard and we are all on kind of an upbeat right now. The best way we can have the most beneficial spring practice is to just have everyone in there competing."

Paterno may want to be fair, but the Nittany Lions would best be served if they can make a decision at the quarterback spot and there is a clear-cut best player. Uncertainty has dogged Penn State's offense for the last two years and if the unit has a clear-cut leader on the field they have a chance to climb out of the mire and give Paterno some peace.

LB Dan Connor - A potential star. Connor was second on the team with 85 tackles as a freshman last season. He is super quick and strong even though he could still gain some weight.

COACHING CAROUSEL: There is pressure on Joe Paterno, but he doesn't seem to care when those outside the program whisper that he should fade off into retirement. There may be some within the program that think the same thing but they would never admit as much. There is also palpable pressure on Penn State offensive coordinator Galen Hall, who was brought in to give the offense a boost. While Hall did not have a ton of talent to work with last year, the Penn State offense needs to get better.

SCHEDULE SITUATION: How's this for a cushy start? South Florida, Cincinnati, Central Michigan and Northwestern. The Nittany Lions could get off to a 4-0 start. While the schedule gets much tougher after that - Michigan and Ohio State in back-to-back game - a great start could bring new confidence that leads to a surprising turnaround.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I am optimistic, without putting too much pressure on the kids. There are about five or six kids that have all of the athletic ability to do some things that we have felt restricted in doing the last couple of years." - Joe Paterno, on the improved athleticism that his team should have this season.

RB Tony Hunt - He led the Nittany Lions with 777 yards a year ago. He averaged 4.6 yards per pop and scored seven touchdowns. He does not have eye-popping natural talent, but he runs hard and was one of Penn State's most effective offensive players.

TOP NEWCOMERS: CB Justin King -- Considered the best at his position in the country, King may dominate and should be able to make a contribution right away.

WR Derrick Williams -- Williams is an absolute burner who was timed at 4.24 in the 40. Penn State has needed his kind of speed on the outside. If he can actually catch the ball, it should be a very positive development.

ROSTER REPORT: RB Austin Scott broke his ankle last year and is still rehabbing. He will not participate in any contact drills during spring practice.