New Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien addressed the media at a press conference on Monday in advance of spring practice. O’Brien is replacing the legendary Joe Paterno, but that won’t stop him from doing things his way.
After spring, O’Brien said his offensive players will watch tape of spring practice, not old PSU offenses of past few years
The Nittany Lions will, instead, study the offense of the New England Patriots, and will run the "core" of that offense, not of previous Penn State offenses. O’Brien worked as offensive coordinator of the Patriots during the 2011 season.
In other Penn State football news, running back Curtis Dukes will not practice with the team this spring. He will focus on academics instead. Dukes had 41 carries for 237 yards in 2011.
O’Brien also noted that there would be an "open competition" at quarterback this season. Penn State’s two main quarterbacks, Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden, are both returning, and there are also rumors that Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien could transfer as well. Paul Jones could also be in the mix.
Check out Adam Bittner’s series of Penn State football positional previews in advance of spring practice.