Penn State: Former walk-on McGloin believes he can win starting quarterback job
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Matt McGloin played in three games last season attempting two passes, both incomplete. -
Matt McGloin, right, with quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno.
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Matt McGloin believes he is a legitimate contender for Penn State's starting quarterback job.
But the former walk-on knows there are plenty of skeptics who don't think he will overtake Kevin Newsome, who held a slight edge in the competition entering the start of preseason practice six days ago.
"Because I am a former walk-on, people assume I can't get the job done," McGloin said. "It just makes me work harder and use that as motivation. That's where I am right now. ... I wouldn't consider [Newsome] having the lead over me.
"Each day, you're fighting to gain that respect. I think so far I've gotten it from my teammates and the coaches. Right now, I'm just trying to work on getting it from the fans."
• Game: Penn State vs. Youngstown State, University Park, Pa.
• When: Noon, Sept. 4.
• TV: Big Ten Network.
This isn't the first time McGloin has been an underdog.
He was a three-year starter at West Scranton High School and threw for 5,485 yards and 58 touchdowns while leading his team to two Class AAA district crowns and a league title.
Yet, he received just two scholarship offers from Division I-AA schools, Colgate and Lehigh -- both members of the Patriot League -- before Penn State extended an offer as a preferred walk-on.
"I got some interest from Division I-A schools, but I just wasn't able to pull that off," McGloin said. "They were all waiting on Terrelle Pryor and guys like that.
"But Penn State called and said, 'Why don't you walk on and take a visit.' Where else in the country would you rather be than Penn State? I am very fortunate I landed here."
McGloin, 6 feet 1 and 206 pounds, redshirted as a freshman in 2008, but was rewarded with a scholarship last August. He served as the No. 3 quarterback last year behind Newsome, now a sophomore, and Big Ten Conference co-MVP Daryll Clark.
McGloin played sparingly in three games. He attempted two passes, both incompletions.
Despite his lack of playing experience, McGloin is confident he is ready to lead the Nittany Lions' Spread HD offense.
First Published August 11, 2010 12:00 am
