The sideline was his position on the football field for the first three games of the year.

The coaching staff then decided to change Maurice Humphrey's position. He got on the field and had the opportunity to show that he can produce.

Humphrey has produced.

The position change on the field was not the only change that he's had to make in a year and a half at Penn State.

On the Monday after the 18-10 loss in Nebraska, Humphrey went from the defensive backfield to wide receiver.

Humphrey said that the coaches told him he was moving since he was younger than fellow cornerback Gio Vendemia, and the adjustment would be easier.

He expects this change to be his last.

"I asked Coach [Kenny] Carter just the other day," Humphrey said.

"He told me that I am not going anywhere. As of right now I am wideout."

In his seven games at wide receiver, Humphrey has made 25 catches but is yet to catch a touchdown, despite having opportunities.

Originally, cornerbacks Rich Gardner and Alan Zemaitis weren't too forgiving that their former defensive back switched to offense.

Two weeks ago against Ohio State, when Humphrey caught seven passes for 64 yards, Humphrey "was forgiven."

"Me, Alan and Rich are good friends," Humphrey said.

"They just wanted me to do good, wherever it was on the field."

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said that he would evaluate Humphrey's situation at the end of the season.

"The next two games he will be a receiver," Paterno said.

"We have a couple of freshman kids that we have not used who redshirted who will come into the picture. After we have a spring practice, we will have to decide which way we want to go with some of them."

The receiving corps will be adding some depth. In addition to Humphrey, Josh Hannum and Donnie Johnson are expected to see increased playing time next season.

There will also be the players Paterno redshirted this season, including North Carolina transfer Ian Firestone, Terrell Golden and Brent Wise.

So, another change on the field in 2004 for Humphrey wouldn't be something new for the Connecticut native.

Last year as a freshman, Humphrey was struggling to deal with the change in academics coming from high school.

Sue Paterno, Joe's wife, has been known to help the players on Paterno's team that were facing academic problems. Humphrey was no exception.

Last year, Humphrey was having problems with an English class and Sue became his tutor in order to help him improve his grades.

Humphrey said that Sue would make sure his work was done, otherwise he would face penalties.

In the summer of 1982, Bob White, who had just graduated from high school, was under supervision of Sue, who had White submit a two-page book report every week to Sue.

White succeeded academically after being under the guidance of Sue for the summer, in similar fashion to Humphrey.

After being tutored by Sue, Humphrey received an A- in the English class.

Whether in the classroom or on the field, Humphrey has been through a lot of change in a short time in Happy Valley.