Just because the Penn State football signees can't practice with the squad doesn't mean they aren't getting a work out.

In preparation for the arrival of its incoming freshman talent, the Penn State football team has already begun the process of training its future stars through assigned regiments catered to each specific recruit.

In fact, many of them are doing the same strength and conditioning exercises that the rest of the Nittany Lions' players are currently going through during spring drills.

Mike Lucian, a defensive lineman from Frederick, Md., has been working out five days a week in order to maintain his physique and hone his techniques as he awaits the arrival of summer camp in Happy Valley.

"[The coaching staff] likes me inside at 285 pounds," Lucian said. "They're not worried about me gaining weight, but I'd rather stay my current weight and build muscle."

Lucian said he is currently 6-foot-3, 260 pounds which would seem to indicate he would fit into the role of a defensive end, rather than a tackle. Playing outside is his natural position, as he played end his junior year and a stand up end that dropped back into coverage his senior year.

Like all recruits who sign letters of intent with Penn State, the strength and conditioning staff puts together an information packet with different high intensity training (HIT) exercises.

Specifically, the HIT program utilizes more reps and less resting periods between exercises in order to exhaust the muscles for growth.

"I haven't heard too much about the HIT program but for me at least, it's been working," Lucian said.

For other recruits, the pre-Penn State regiment is a little different.

Spencer Ridenhour, who was recruited as an athlete that has the potential to play multiple positions, said the Penn State coaching staff told him he has the possibility of playing on both sides of the ball. His workout isn't directed to gain mass, but to increase flexibility and agility.

"For one, they didn't really want to get that big," Ridenhour said. "I've gained about five pounds but I've just been doing a lot of agility and working on my footwork and speed. I've been doing a lot of leg exercises and working on my flexibility. That was the key really. My recruiters really told me to work on my flexibility."

The 6-foot Ridenhour said he weighs 208 pounds.

Ridenhour played both running back and safety at White Plains High School in New York, but that his preference in college is anywhere on defense.

"There was some talk possibly as running back, but I don't see that happening," Ridenhour said. "On defense, I may play both free and strong safety and possibly outside linebacker."

As for seeing playing time as a true freshman, Ridenhour said that is still up in the air.

"There hasn't been any talk about [playing as a freshman]," he said. "Basically I'm just going to show up and see where it goes from there."