The Nittany Lions have expressed sorrow for their fallen friend in their corner of campus throughout the week.

But at noon today, they will try to lift their and the community's spirits in a prayer vigil in the front of Old Main.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. will lead the sermon that will be attended by coach Joe Paterno, the players and the public.

"I am going to speak from the heart," Johnson said. "You can never underestimate the power of prayer."

It is their prayers that the team believes will help Taliaferro while he recovers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he has been hospitalized since Wednesday after his five-day stay in Ohio State University Hospital.

Taliaferro, a true freshman, underwent successful surgery for a C-5 cervical spine injury suffered Saturday as he tried to tackle Buckeyes tailback Jerry Westbrooks in the final moments of last Saturday's 45-6 Lions' loss.

It has been emotional week for Penn State since then as it struggles with the sorrow's felt with Taliaferro's loss while preparing for a tough game against a prolific Purdue offense.

"We are aware that we are going to have some people that are going to need some help from time to time and we are trying to find the people who can give them the most appropriate help," Paterno said. "I am not much help in these kinds of things."

The team will hold today's prayer session to support Taliaferro, to support each other and to support people outside the program with friends and relatives who are ill.

"It will help everybody," linebacker Ron Graham said. "It will bring everyone together, especially us as a team. We know the type of person Adam is. He wouldn't want us to lay down. He would want us to keep fighting like he is."

The Lions have been fighting the emotional trauma, which has not been an easy battle. Taliaferro, who has played sparingly as a defensive back, is known among his teammates for his humor.

"He never walked with his head down," defensive tackle Anthony Adams said.

Safety James Boyd pondered wearing Taliaferro's No. 43 for Saturday's game, but after meeting with Paterno today will wear his usual No. 6 instead.

Johnson hopes to keep heads and spirit high during today's sermon. Johnson led the team's prayer session Monday and has been praised for his ability to boost the team's morale.

"He's a great man," Penn State defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy said. "I look up to him so much. So much really, that you can't put into words.

"He's a very spiritual man. He has a strong belief in God. He knows the whole concept of what it takes to be a great football player. He knows that you have to get your work done. He knows that you have to go to church. He has been through it and he is a great man on and off the field."

Johnson has been around football all his life as a former Washington Redskins player and high school coach in Maryland.

And when times have been tough in his life, the defensive line coach has looked to his faith.

"When something tragic happens, like with Adam, it seems my dad is willing to take on that father role and step up," Johnson's son and Penn State tailback Larry Johnson Jr. said. "He's a real devoted family man — not only to us, but to the players and their families."