The man who last year stood almost unnoticed behind a very large shadow is now looking to emerge.

It was a sight that horrified defenders all season. Michael Robinson lined up behind center with Larry Johnson behind him at tailback and Bryant Johnson to his side as wideout. What to do? Who to cover? What is going to happen?

The era of Larry Johnson at running back is over.

The objective of the offensive line is to create holes. The defensive front attempts to clog those holes. The Penn State football team has holes on both lines.

It's become ingrained in the Penn State football tradition, as essential a part of spring and fall practice as the black Nikes, the plain blue jerseys and the Nittany Lion.

At the end of the 2001 football season, the Penn State Nittany Lions were served their second consecutive losing season. The team struggled considerably on defense while finishing the year ranked 98 out of 115 teams in total defense. The Lions were also at the bottom of the basement with a -1.00 in turnover margin which contributed to their 5-6 season.