Returning to a football field near you: the Penn State team that actually had a bit of a swagger and even intimidated other teams.

At least, that's the way Joe Paterno would have it.

In his press conference yesterday, the 74-year old Penn State head coach gave few specifics about the 2002 version of the Nittany Lions, but he set forth a direct challenge for his young, talented group.

"We just need to start acting like a Penn State football team," he said.

Paterno was hesitant to talk about his players before seeing them in spring drills, which open Saturday. The Lions will practice until the Blue White game April 20.

Coming off two straight losing seasons, Penn State seems to have built a strong core that they will attempt to shore up this spring.

"You're building and building and building," Paterno said when asked to give an overall assessment of the team. "You don't have the kind of luxury to sit back and try to figure out why did this happen or this happen here?"

Paterno said he has approached each of his 36 spring practices differently and this year will be no different. He doesn't have a feel for this squad yet but says that he is more confident in this year's offense and that there "may be a little more sense of urgency."

The only position Paterno guaranteed was the starting tailback spot to Larry Johnson.

"I think Larry's got to be the guy who is going to be the tailback," he said. "I think he has to be ready to by a typical I(-formation) or single back-type runner."

Johnson will need to lead the team on the field, as Paterno may revert to Penn State teams of yore and try to chew up chunks of yards with a hard-charging running game.

Untested freshmen Pete Gilmore and Mike Gasparato will battle for the back-up spot.

The most illuminating remarks by Paterno came when he revealed one part of his winter meditation on last season.

"We probably should have just stuck (Omar) Easy at fullback and (Eric) McCoo as a wideout and let Johnson carry the ball," he said.

Even with the departure of Matt Senneca, Paterno would not hand the quarterback job to Zack Mills.

"He has a lot to learn and is a young kid," Paterno said. "I hope everybody doesn't expect him to come out on a white horse like Joan of Arc."

True freshman Michael Robinson will have his first real chance to show off the skills that have coaches raving, including Paterno, who said there are already things he does better than Mills.

Paterno feels secure with his top two returning receivers Bryant Johnson and Tony Johnson, but is expecting a younger player to step into the third slot. The door seems open for 6-foot-3 speedster Ernie Terrell to make an impact, as opposing defensive backs should have their hands full with the prolific and unrelated Johnsons.

The most hotly contested position figures to be linebacker, where technically all three spots are up for grabs. Outside linebacker Deryck Toles returns, but is still unable to play more than 30 plays a game due to an enzyme disorder.

Departing linebackers Shamar Finney and Ron Graham struggled last year as the Lions allowed over 200 yards per game rushing. True freshman LaMar Stewart saw significant time last season and Paterno expects him to push for a starting spot. Jimi Mitchell, who switched over from safety in the middle of last season, will challenge him and Gino Capone appears ready to move into the middle position. Derek Wake is coming off a knee injury and will battle for a starting spot, also.

Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy's decision to return for his final year of ability means the defensive line will lose just one starter, left end Bob Jones.

According to Paterno, the choice was left to Kennedy and he merely "gave him all the facts."

"Obviously it's a big plus for us," said Paterno, adding that Kennedy "can be one of the premier defensive tackles in the country..." if he keeps his weight down.

The only loss in the secondary is Bruce Branch, but Paterno plans on keeping safety Yaacov Yisreal out of the lineup for the first five games of the season as a result of his arrest on charges of drunk driving.

What upset Paterno most about the incident was that it happened during the season -- after the Southern Miss game -- and that he didn't find out until it finally hit the papers in December.

Offensive lineman Gus Felder, who will gain another year of eligibility if he graduates in May, will concentrate on academics this spring. Paterno also wants him to get his weight down, as he is expected to anchor a line that returns four starters.

Fullback Sean McHugh has recovered from a broken leg and is ready to go.

Paterno is also pleased that his coaching staff did not have any turnover for the first time in several years.

"They're starting to get some chemistry," he said.