Yesterday the media got a rare glimpse into what goes on in Holuba Hall when they were invited to witness the last thirty minutes of practice. Here is a summary of what I've been able to learn from cruising the tubes of the internets this morning.
A.J. Wallace was playing first team cornerback opposite of Justin King. Tony Davis was practicing as the first team free safety.
Dan Connor has moved to middle linebacker. Tyrell Sales practiced at first team outside linebacker.
Jared Odrick is playing with the first team at defensive tackle. Abe Koroma is the other first team defensive tackle.
Defensive tackle Chris Baker reportedly has lost a lot of weight and looks in fantastic shape. He played with the second team, but he may get shuffled in and out of the starting spot.
The first team defensive ends are Maurice Evans and Josh Gaines.
The first team offensive line looked like this.
RT - John Shaw
RG - Rich Ohrnberger
C - A.Q. Shipley
LG - Elijah Robinson
LT - Gerald Cadogen
Brett Brackett played at the split end wide receiver.
Dan Connor has added eight pounds to his frame since the Outback Bowl. Sean Lee has added five or six pounds. Austin Scott has put on 10-12 pounds since last fall and he's said to look a step quicker.
Tom McEowen and Kevin Cousins are being held out of spring practice with knee injuries.
Antonio Logan El is not with the team. Paterno said, "He has to make up his mind if he really wants to play football."
With the exception of Logan El's absence and the injuries to McEowen and Cousins, everything sounds really encouraging to me. I'm trying to look at this objectively and not get overly optimistic, but I'm really excited about this team and it's potential. There are a few question marks that need to be addressed, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I suspect we'll see some shuffling on the offensive line between now and the Blue-White game in April so be prepared for that. Landolt, Eliades, and Poti are all going to push for playing time. Overall, even with the absence of Logan El, I think we're in a better position depth and experience wise on the offensive line than we were a year ago.