On a day when he talked about the undefeated 1994 team that "scored about once every two minutes" and the 2002 Capital One Bowl team that "was a really good offensive football team," Penn State coach Joe Paterno hardly needed to say what area of his current squad needs improvement.

Details of how this improvement would be achieved, however, were needed, and that's exactly what Paterno was asked to give yesterday at his press conference previewing spring practice, which begins Monday.

After reaffirming that he has not thought about playing senior Michael Robinson anywhere other than quarterback, but that there would be an open competition for the starting job, Paterno discussed two ways in which the effectiveness of the offense has been targeted.

"I tried to analyze what happened to us last year and the last two years," Paterno said. "We went out to do some things in recruiting, which I think will help us. And we have a couple of kids that we've made some switches from one side of the ball to the other side of the ball, which will show up this spring, that I think give us the kind of speed and opportunity to make some big plays, which we have not done."

By recruiting, Paterno means, of course, bringing in what he calls "the fastest group of kids we've ever recruited," headlined by Derrick Williams and Justin King, who have enrolled early at Penn State. And to get even more speed on the offensive side of the ball, Paterno said that he is also working to move some of the faster but lesser-used members of the richer defense to offense. Among those mentioned were senior safety Ethan Kilmer, junior safety Jim Kanuch and freshman cornerback Deon Butler, who will all take on the role of receiver.

"We have not had a kid catch a 6-yard hitch, make somebody miss, and run for a 50-yard gain," Paterno said. "We just haven't had those kinds of things since we lost Bryant Johnson and that class two years ago with the four first-round draft picks ... But I think we've got to be optimistic that the kids we brought in and the kids that we made switches with are going to give us a chance to make some big plays."

Paterno also indicated that switching players to offense could also be done in the trenches, as the offensive line has been one of the primary concerns of the coaching staff, though no moves have yet been made.

"I'm concerned about whether there's the mental toughness -- not the physical toughness -- it takes to be a really good offensive lineman," Paterno said. "But if we're going to be better, I think we've got to have a little better operation up front than we had last year. More consistent would be a better way to put it."

With Paterno pointing to personnel problems as the main reason for the offensive struggles of 2003 and 2004, the efforts to improve the offense have specifically targeted that concern -- but spring practice is the time to assess whether or not the changes will make an impact.

"I think we've got to look at what we have and then do some things that we think we can do the best, and then go from there," Paterno said. "If that leads us to a more wide-open offense -- I hope it does."

Status uncertain

Paterno has not yet made a decision as to the status of defensive tackle Scott Paxson and offensive guard Tyler Reed, who were charged Tuesday with criminal mischief for allegedly shooting a compound bow into the wall of Nittany Apartments Building 33 in January.

"I have heard six different stories," Paterno said. "I just want to wait and see what happens. I'll let the university handle it their way, and then I will handle it my way."

Paterno also indicated that the status of these two players will affect position changes on the lines.

Scott or not?

Tailback Austin Scott, who injured his left ankle during winter workouts earlier this month, has not been able to participate in workouts since the injury. However, Paterno indicated that he will not miss all of spring practice, but will participate in a reduced capacity.

"He's not going to be out for spring practice," Paterno said. "He'll be able to do some things. He just can't get involved in the hard stuff, and we'll obviously baby him when it starts to get tired so he doesn't end up with another stress fracture."

Etc.

Due to health concerns, both junior linebacker Matt Pavelic and sophomore wide out Brendan Perretta will miss part or all of spring practice. Pavelic has not received clearance to play due to a blood problem, and Perretta is unable to participate in contact drills.

Additionally, receiver Gio Vendemia left the team in the offseason.