Home >  Sports >  Penn State

Sunday, April 21, 2002

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State sophomore Nick Marmo was cruising along this spring in his first stint as a starting offensive lineman. A highly touted player out of New Castle High School, Marmo was the first-team left guard for the first 12 practices this spring.

Then Monday afternoon, the coaches told him to report to the practice field early. When he got there, they asked him to begin snapping the ball from center.

For the final three practices and in the Blue-White Game yesterday at Beaver Stadium, Marmo played center for the first time since his sophomore season in high school.

“They say they really like me there,” Marmo said. “So I don’t know what’s going to happen. [The transition] wasn’t that bad. The three days I was in there I didn’t have any fumbles.”

Marmo said the move was a little disappointing because he felt he was close to pinning down a starting assignment for next season at guard. If he stays at center, he likely will back up senior Joe Iorio.

“I could complain about it, but that’s not going to help,” Marmo said. “It really doesn’t bother me. I’ll just keep working hard. I just want to play.”

The spring is a time when coaches experiment with some players to see if they can play different positions. The offensive line was in a state of flux this spring because starting tackle Gus Felder sat out to concentrate on academics. Also, Chris McKelvy, the other starter at right tackle, was demoted because he weighs too much.

McKelvy, who started nine games last season, has eaten himself out of a starting position for the moment. He ballooned to 335 pounds during the off-season and lost his starting position to Matt Schmitt of Hampton. Schmitt lost the starting job to McKelvy after two games last season.

Paterno said Iorio and senior guard Tyler Lenda are secure in their starting positions. The other guard spot is up for grabs among a few players, including freshman E.Z. Smith and sophomore Scott Davis, and perhaps, Marmo again, should the coaching staff reconsider the position switch.

Paterno was upset with McKelvy’s undisciplined spring, but otherwise he is happy with the line, which made big strides late last season.

“I’m disappointed Chris didn’t show a better commitment to himself and to the football team,” Paterno said. “He’s just too heavy. I think he can play, but he can’t play right now.

“Matt Schmitt had a great spring. If we had to play tomorrow, he would be the starter. Overall, we have good depth on the offensive line. We have good, solid players who can do the job. We have more depth there than we do anywhere else on the team.”

Robinson impressive

Despite his so-so performance yesterday, Paterno has found his backup quarterback for next season and possibly more. The coaching staff is high on redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Robinson, and Paterno said he would not hesitate to use him in game situations this fall.

Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 228-pounder from Richmond, Va., does some things better than incumbent starter Zack Mills. He is faster, a better athlete and has a stronger arm. Mills is more accurate and, at this point, has a better grasp of the offense and some intangible qualities.

“We can play with him, no question about that,” Paterno said of Robinson. “He’s getting there. He has the ability to be a big-time college quarterback.”

Because Robinson is such a gifted athlete, there has been speculation that he will be moved either to receiver or defensive back to take advantage of his natural skills. Paterno acknowledged the thought has crossed his mind, but said he will not entertain any thoughts of using Robinson at another position until he feels comfortable at quarterback.

“Robinson has improved a great deal,” Paterno said. “He really studies the game, and we owe it to him to make him a quarterback. We’re not going to change what we do for him and Zack. We’re not going to throw options and sweeps in there with him. We’re going to make him a passer first.”

Award winners

Schmitt was given the Worrell Award for most improved offensive player. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams received the O’Hara Award for most improved defensive player. Five players shared the Patrick Award for dedication: David Costlow, Damone Jones, Mike Lukac, Bryan Scott and Scott Shirley.