After the worst season in the Paterno-era of Penn State football in 2003, this year's spring practice is a suitable time for the program to do some soul-searching.

Yet much of things cited as the causes of the confusion, uncertainty and inconsistency that plagued Nittany Lions all throughout last season remain in some capacity.

Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said the two areas of focus for the spring work out period are the development of wide receivers and improvement of the defense's tackling. To amend those issues, Paterno went on to say that he and the staff will be experimenting with five to seven players, trying them on both offense and defense.

"We're trying to get the best two deep on both sides of the ball," Paterno said. "There will be five or six kids that play one position for a week and then another position for another week."

The Lions return a host of players that split up time at wide receiver last season including Gerald Smith, Terrance Phillips and Josh Hannum, but not one asserted himself as a playmaker, something Paterno said the squad desperately needs.

In all likelihood, the position of quarterback also won't be firmly established until the start of fall practice as Zack Mills, Michael Robinson and Chris Ganter will compete for the top position on the depth chart through the spring.

"[Mills and Robinson] will go at it, have a little fun in the spring, and maybe something will happen in the spring that will establish one or the other," Paterno said.

Some reports in the offseason stated Robinson would be moved to the defensive secondary for 2003, but Paterno rejected the claim. In fact, when asked whether or not Robinson would be moved to defense this spring, Paterno firmly replied, "no."

"We may have [Robinson] at quarterback and someplace else, like wide receiver in certain situations," he said. "Mike is a quarterback."

Some ambiguity also remains within the coaching ranks.

Galen Hall, recently hired to be the assistant coach in charge of offense as well as the running backs coach said his role still is not set in stone. One thing that is certain is that while Hall said he will not be revamping Penn State's offense, he said he might add an additional few offensive run blocking schemes. But as for now, the offensive playcalling is split up between Penn State quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno and Hall.

"Joe and I talked that I could be in charge of the offense," Hall said. "We're going to go through spring practice and make those decisions down the line when there are appropriate. I have no qualms about those things."

Paterno said the addition of Hall adds an element of consistency and leadership to the sidelines.

"Galen Hall is going to come in and assert leadership with the offense," Paterno said. "In his own manner, he's been doing that. We haven't practiced yet, but I think right now everybody is on the up beat."

Three more years?

Paterno's contract expires at the end of the upcoming season but he said he would hope to coach for a few more years.

"I'd like to coach at least three more years," he said. "I told kids that we're recruiting that I'd like to have another good team."

Offseason moves

Former fullback BranDon Snow is now a linebacker and will work with the linebacker corps throughout the spring. Paterno said it was a move Snow wanted to make after the 2003 season.

Returning to the team for spring practice as well as the 2004 season are fullback Paul Jefferson and center E.Z. Smith. Both sat out last season for disciplinary reasons, but will be an integral part of the offense, according to Paterno.

In addition, several players have left the squad for a variety of reasons since the onset of winter conditioning.

Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Dan Mazan is no longer working out with the team and is seeking to transfer closer to his home in New Jersey to be closer with his family after his grandfather passed away recently. Linebacker LaMar Stewart will also not return to the team next season. Paterno said he and the rest of his staff are trying to find a place for Stewart to transfer to.

Linebackers Tim Johnson and T.C. Cosby and offensive lineman Nick Marmo will graduate before the start of the upcoming season and will not seek a fifth year of eligibility. Junior wide receiver Ernie Terrell will also not return, focusing his efforts on track and field.