For the second consecutive season, Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley is switching his best linebacker from the outside to the middle of his defense. Paul Posluszny, a likely first-round pick in next week's NFL draft, made the switch last season after playing three years at outside linebacker. Now All-American Dan Connor is doing the same before his senior season.

Posluszny had his share of problems early last season making the adjustment, but much of that had to do with the fact that he only had the month of August to acclimate himself to the middle. One advantage Connor has over Posluszny is that he is making the move this spring, which is affording him the opportunity to slowly learn the ropes.

"Paul just said you'll be fine," Connor said. "It's not as big a process as people make it out to be. I'm kind of feeling that, too. I can work out some of the kinks now, so when the fall comes I'll really know what I'm doing."

Connor will be at middle linebacker Saturday in the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Connor has much in common with Posluszny beyond the position switch. Connor made the decision to return for his senior season after exploring his options with the NFL draft in January just as Posluszny did a year ago. A 6-foot-3, 233-pounder, Connor is also a tackling machine in the mold of his predecessor.

He has 274 career tackles. Connor had 113 last season, just three fewer than Posluszny -- the team leader. Connor could challenge Posluszny's record for most tackles by a Penn State player. And he believes he'll be in a better position to make plays on the inside.

"It's definitely faster and more physical than [playing outside]," Connor said. "You're taking on offensive linemen a lot. That's tougher and something you have to adjust. I like it a lot more because I'm always in the action. It lets me cut loose a little more and make plays sideline to sideline. I get a chance to do that now, so I'm excited."

Outside linebacker Sean Lee said Connor is making the transition look smooth.

"I don't think he's missed a beat at all," said Lee, a returning starter who holds down one of the outside linebacker positions. "He looks really comfortable and quick. Moving from outside to inside is hard because the reads are different, but he's really picked it up fast. He's such a smart, instinctive player."

In addition to filling Posluszny's shoes in the middle, Connor is taking on the task of trying to fill the leadership void created by Posluszny's departure. Posluszny was all business on and off the field and stands in stark contrast to Connor, who has the reputation for being a jokester in the locker room.

Nonetheless, Connor would like the opportunity to replace Posluszny as one of the team captains for next season. He is the elder statesman of the defense and has the most experience of any of the returning players.

Connor said one of the reasons he decided to come back for his senior season was to assume a leadership position on the team.

"I couldn't leave early without having a chance to be a senior and be a leader," Connor said. "I wanted the chance to come back and work as a captain. It was something I couldn't pass up."

Coach Joe Paterno has yet to name his captains for the 2007 season, but Connor is looking forward to being a leader with or without a formal title.

"He hasn't talked to me about it," Connor said. "It's up to him. It's the right decision whatever he makes. I'm pretty different from Paul. I can be a leader through my play. I'm not as serious as Paul. I like to joke around. [Being a leader] will be more with my play. I won't be getting in anyone's face. I'm not that type of guy."

NOTE -- The other starting linebacker position is a heated contest between Butler High School graduate Tyrell Sales, a junior, and Navorro Bowman, a freshman. ... A Penn State student is urging fans attending Saturday's Blue-White game to wear maroon and orange as a way to pay homage to Virginia Tech.