It's so tempting to spend the next 500 words rehashing how much of a disappointment Anthony Morelli was in State College, but we're not talking about the past.
So with the end of the 2007 season came the end of a bitterly disappointing two-year era of Anthony Morelli at starting quarterback. The quarterback position is only one of a few slots on the depth chart that will feature a new name this season -- Penn State will have a veteran team take the field in 2008.
Things are looking up for the team that finished 9-4 this season, especially because you have to expect better play from the most important position on the field. The two guys Joe Paterno and his staff are looking to are Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin.
Much like we discussed yesterday with Virginia Tech, the two candidates bring very different looks to the offense. Clark, with two years of eligibility remaining, would lead an offense run with the same playbook the school used during the Michael Robinson years -- the Lions were a last-second touchdown away from an undefeated season.
We saw what Clark, 6'2, 230 pounds, brings to the table with his legs in the Alamo Bowl against Texas A&M: 50 yards on six carries and a touchdown. If you missed that game, watch the video to see the versatility Clark can bring to the offense.
But the question with Clark is: Can he pass? He is 17-for-30 in two seasons backing up Morelli, so obviously his experience is limited throwing the ball. The same actually goes for him running the ball out of the backfield as well. He has just 27 career carries.
Also inexperienced is Devlin, Pennsylvania's all-time leading high school passer. Devlin is your traditional drop-back passer, attaining traditional quarterback size at 6'4, 215 pounds.
He's thrown just one throw pass as a Penn State quarterback -- it was incomplete -- so his high school accolades could mean little in the eyes of Penn State faithful (Morelli was the No. 2 overall QB coming out of high school).
Devlin has received rave reviews for his arm and what he brings to the table as a passer, but it's hard to say until a kid steps out onto the field.
He does have a lot of veteran weapons around him, especially at the wide receiver position, so if they want to throw him into the fire this year knowing they'll have three seasons for him to man the position, now is as good a time as ever.
Some of Clark's teammates have already gone to bat for him and what the offense can look like with him running it.
After the Alamo Bowl win, wide receiver Deon Butler told reporters: "Daryll looked phenomenal tonight That got him into a big-time stage. That showed you what our offense can do with him in it, how we can change our look up."
Maybe that's what Penn State needs. With Rich Rodriguez, Ron Zook and Bill Lynch shaking things up in the conference, Penn State might be looking to get on board and keep pace.
I'm expecting Clark to suit up as the starter in 2008.
Other 2008 Quarterback Controversies
Monday - Southern California
Tuesday - Virginia Tech
Wednesday - Penn State
Thursday - Alabama
Comments (3)
I agree completely. I don't think there's much of a controversy here. Clark has the faith in the team, and he has so much more playing time. And JoePa, although he's modernized a little, has always seemed to have the mentality that seniority means something at Penn State.
I hope its the opposite. Devlin has a much better arm then Clark, and with our recieving core he has the arm strength to send them long. People also tend to think he doesn't have much mobility, but he does move well and has the ability to throw on the run. I think with 3 years of Devlin we should get him started now.
Are you kidding, Devlin does not compare to Clark... Devlin should not be playing even d2 ball... and I only say this because I recruit for OSU .. CLark is hands down the best decision considering pure athleticism at the quarterback position