Sunday, August 10, 2003

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The status of two Penn State returning starters remained uncertain yesterday because of off-field incidents.

Senior fullback Paul Jefferson and junior offensive lineman E.Z. Smith did not take a team picture and were not available to speak with reporters at media day yesterday. Smith, who started five games at left guard last season, was cited twice for having an open container of alcohol near his apartment complex within the past two weeks. Jefferson, who started four games at fullback, was cited for an open container in the off-season and also has to get passing grades from summer school.

Jefferson will not practice with the team during preseason camp. It was unclear if Smith would.

The status of defensive back Anwar Phillips also was unclear. Phillips, who will stand trial on charges of sexual assault at the end of the month, is allowed to return to campus today after serving a two-semester suspension issued by the school's office of judicial affairs.

Paterno refused to say whether Phillips would be allowed to practice with the team during camp. Phillips was the starting defensive back last season.

"I don't want to get into that, OK," Paterno said. "The only thing I can do anything about is what I got -- my football team. The whole thing has been taken out of my hands by the judicial system and university, all right. If it's put back in my hands, then I'll think about it."

Robinson's role

Paterno indicated that backup quarterback Michael Robinson will be used in a similar role as last season, when he sparked the offense as a running back and receiver.

"Michael Robinson has to be ready to be our quarterback," Paterno said. "He has the right to compete. I think we owe that to him.

"But if he's not going to be our No. 1 quarterback, we have to find ways to get him in the football game. How many plays and what manner, we'll see."

Changing positions

Andrew Richardson and Levi Brown have been moved to offensive tackle. Richardson, a North Hills High School graduate, played in the final eight games last season as a tight end and served as the second tight end after starter Casey Williams went down with an injury.

Richardson, who is 6 feet 5, has gained 10 pounds in the off-season and is now 272 pounds. Richardson did not want to make the move and said he had to be sold on it by Paterno.

Brown, 6-5 and 312 pounds, had emerged from spring drills as a starting defensive tackle. Paterno wants to see him at offensive tackle and said the move might not be permanent.

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