Penn State Releases Updated Depth Chart

Penn State has released an updated depth chart as it prepares for the 2013 football season (which is only 79 days away!). The depth chart does not contain any earth-shattering news for Nittany Lion fans, but there are certainly some interesting takeaways.

• The dreaded 'OR' in the starting quarterback position will bring many of us back to the days of endless "Bolden or McGloin" debates during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. It's interesting that Hackenberg is listed as a potential starter, considering he was not an early enrollee and won't officially be a member of the football team until August. It's a clear statement from Bill O'Brien that the new number 14 will have every opportunity to win the starting job by the time August 31st rolls around.
• Adrian Amos and Malcolm Willis are listed as safeties, meaning Stephen Obeng-Agyapong may not be returning as a starter. Obeng-Agyapong was arguably the most improved player on the team in 2012, and proved to be a major asset by season's end. He should still get plenty of playing time, even if it ends up being in a reserve role.
• Senior Pat Zerbe is listed as the starting fullback, but one has to wonder how much use there is for a pure fullback in O'Brien's offense. There are many skilled and experienced wide receivers and tight ends listed as reserves who O'Brien will want to get on the field as much as possible.
• Bill Belton is listed ahead of Akeel Lynch at running back. However, it seems likely that Lynch will be used more as an all-purpose back as Zach Zwinak's backup with Belton lining up all over the field.
• Trevor Williams and Jordan Lucas are listed as the starting cornerbacks, with Da'Quan Davis as a reserve. Davis performed well in spot duty last season, meaning that Williams and Lucas must have really proved themselves to the coaching staff thus far. Like Obeng-Agyapong, Davis should still see plenty of action if he doesn't eventually crack the starting lineup.
• Adam Gress is listed as the starter at right tackle. He will be pushed hard by Garry Gilliam (currently listed as backup left tackle) and Eric Shrive for the starting position. Gress struggled at times last year, and this is likely the most important position battle outside of quarterback.

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