Troy Drayton was a sophomore wideout when Penn State played Florida State in the inaugural Blockbuster Bowl two years ago.

Drayton said he had accepted his role as a blocker for the passing game that was built around former Lion stars David Daniels and Terry Smith and current All-America candidate O.J. McDuffie.

But, oh, how times have changed.

Drayton is no longer a blocking wideout. He is now a lethal pass-catching tight end and a focal point of the Lion passing attack. This season he set a new record for pass receptions in a season by tight ends, hauling in 36 aerials for 488 yards. If you ask Lion Coach Joe Paterno, Drayton just might be the premier pass-catching tight end in college football.

"There probably isn't a better pass-receiving tight end in the country right now," Paterno said.

And when Penn State makes a return visit to the Blockbuster Bowl to clash with No. 13 Stanford on New Year's Day, Drayton figures to take a backseat to no one in the passing game.

But when Penn State runs the ball, Drayton might take a backseat to Ryan Grube, as was the case for the Notre Dame and Pitt games.

For all of his pass-catching prowess, Drayton's been susceptible to concentration lapses that have affected his blocking. As a result, he has become a platoon player so to speak, splitting time with the better-blocking Grube.

"Some games Troy has hurt us with some mental mistakes, but that's my only criticism of him," Paterno said.

"I still have to work on blocking and concentrating a little more on the running plays," added Drayton.

And it's a good bet that Drayton will put in the work when full practices resume after final exams, as the 6-foot-3, 220 pounder is living proof of the adage "if at first you don't succeed try, try again."

After failing to achieve the minimum 700 on his SATs in his senior year at Steelton High School, Drayton, a two-sport star, saw most schools interested in his services close their doors.

So he came to Happy Valley as an obscure walk-on. Against the odds, Drayton has not only become a productive member of a top college football program, but he will also leave Penn State as one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends.

"Right now it's a dream come true," Drayton said of his success.

And it's quite possible that Drayton's dream will lead him to the NFL next season. But for now, the task at hand is beating Stanford in the Blockbuster Bowl.

"The only thing I'm thinking about now is helping the team win," Drayton said.