Penn State is known for its linebackers, but its running backs are making a strong case for more recognition.

After the 1999 season, several standouts were indirectly appointed to represent the talented backfield.

One of those is Nittany Lions fullback Mike Cerimele. In 1999, he scored three key touchdowns, including one against Ohio State to spark a 6-0 Penn State lead.

Cerimele averaged 3.6 yards per carry, gained 148 receiving yards and keyed other big plays as a blocker.

"It's a loaded stable again," Cerimele said. "We're all just going to have to contribute. Our backs are excited and fired up and we're all in great condition. We've all had great summers and we're ready to go."

Stable might be the appropriate term for a team whose backfield was like draft horses hitched to a wagon rather than a single thoroughbred earning all the attention.

The 1999 rushing statistics were shared by a long list of players at various positions. None of the backfield members stole the spotlight or a tremendous amount of yards from the opposing teams for that matter.

But after a spring full of revamping and housecleaning, the backfield is one of the few things that pleases Penn State coach Joe Paterno.

"I think it is one of the strongest suits of the team," Paterno said.

On a team that once boasted flashy runners such as Ki-Jana Carter and D.J. Dozier, no one threatened to crack the 1,000-yard barrier last season. The Lions second best runner was quarterback Rashard Casey with 290 yards. Casey also had the most rushing touchdowns with five.

Junior tailback Eric McCoo led the team in rushing in 1999, gaining 739 yards. As a true freshman in 1998, the New Jersey native gained 822 yards on the ground.

McCoo admitted that running by committee isn't always the most fun, but he knows Paterno will stay with what's successful.

"It can be frustrating sometimes, but when it's working it really doesn't matter," McCoo said. "They can do it with four or five or they can do it with one or two. The job has to get done."

And no one believes that more than Paterno himself.

"You can only have so many bus drivers," Paterno said. "Somebody's got to ride in the bus. You need a couple of passengers."

The Penn State backfield will have one less driver without graduated fullback Aaron Harris, its third-highest rusher in 1999 who averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

Junior tailback Omar Easy gained 146 yards on 27 carries last season, which was good for a team-high 5.4 yards per carry.

Larry Johnson, a sophomore tailback, could challenge McCoo for the team's leading rusher. Johnson carried the ball 43 times for 171 yards and one touchdown last season.

Junior fullback R.J. Luke is expected to contribute as a possible reserve to Mike Cerimele or on special teams. Fellow junior Mick Blosser could also see time at the position.

Paterno can reminisce on a number of big-name running backs, but he's curious to see if his current backfield can produce like the Carters and Doziers of years past.

"We have good running backs," Paterno said. "Whether we have a great one yet, I don't know. I think there are two or three kids that have a chance to be really good."

Cerimele and the backfield are ready to find out.

"We're a bunch of hungry people," Cerimele said, "who just want to go out there and have a great season and show people what we're capable of doing."