Coach Joe Paterno is done savoring Penn State's 31-13 upset over Tennessee in the Florida Citrus Bowl. That triumph is behind him. Now, Paterno is focusing on the upcoming weeks.
During the spring, Paterno has to prepare for the 1994 season. He will evaluate the team's weaknesses and assess the injuries.
Spring football practice begins on Saturday for Penn State. The Lions are permitted to practice 15 times this semester before the annual Blue-White clash at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23.
Yesterday at the spring press conference Paterno said linebacker Brian Gelzheiser and lineman Vin Stewart won't workout this semester due to injuries. Gelzheiser, who led Penn State last season with 113 tackles, injured his ankle. Stewart is recovering from knee surgery.
Tailback Ki-Jana Carter is also questionable for the remainder of this spring. Carter rushed for 1,026 yards on 155 carries last season.
"He has a little bit of a knee problem and I'm not sure what they're gonna let him do," Paterno said. "He had some swelling on that knee. Right now, we're not quite sure just how much we'll get out of him this spring."
In addition to the injuries, Paterno has some holes to fill in his lineup. Penn State is somewhat depleted on the defensive side of the ball, with the loss of eight starters.
"Defensively, we obviously have got to replace some very good players," Paterno said. "That's gonna have to be our top priority. I am concerned about our down people."
The Nittany Lions lose three talented defensive linemen in Lou Benfatti, Tyoka Jackson and Eric Ravotti. Nose tackle Eric Clair is the only starting lineman on defense returning from last season's 10-2 team.
The secondary also suffered losses, including Derek Bochna, Shelly Hammonds and Lee Rubin. Marlon Forbes, who started 10 games last season, and Tony Pittman will be looked upon to step up this spring.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kerry Collins is still the No. 1 quarterback in Paterno's stable. Collins passed for 1,605 yards last season.
"(Kerry) will get a lot of pressure from (Wally) Richardson," Paterno said. "That's a good situation. But right now, you'd have to say Kerry is our quarterback."
