In the spring, Penn State coach Joe Paterno ruled wide receiver Curtis Drake out for the 2011 season with a leg injury. And though there was hope at the football team's Lift For Life event in July that Drake would be able to return for the full campaign. Paterno again put the brakes on any ideas of Drake getting on the field in the near future at Penn State's media day on Tuesday.
"He's working at it and Curtis has done a good job," Paterno said. "Drake has a lot of leadership qualities and he's a great athlete. The sooner he gets back, the better I like it. But right now, I think the docs still aren't comfortable yet that we can put him out there without a good percentage that he might get hurt."
Paterno also said Drake has to get better academically.
The Nittany Lions' offense will certainly miss the dynamic abilities Drake brings to the table. A quarterback in high school, Drake could help Penn State deploy some wildcat packages if he gets back at any point this season. The wide receiving corps is deep, though, with Derek Moye, Devon Smith and Justin Brown all returning, so it's probably for the best that the coaching and medical staffs are taking their time getting Drake back into the fold.