With Penn State (5-8-2, 2-2 Big Ten) creating an unusual scoring opportunity off of a corner kick in Tuesday's 3-1 victory against Bucknell, a most unlikely recipient of a Chris Germani pass, senior defender David Gray, was there to head the ball into the net.

"I really don't get the chance to shoot that much, let alone score," Gray said earlier this season. Little did he know those chances would come soon.

Thanks to injuries to essentially the entire Penn State front line, Gray made a rare start at the forward position. He decided he was going to make the most of his opportunity to notch his second career goal.

Bucknell defender Andrew Loia attempted to chase down an errant pass. But Gray wasn't going to let Loia and the Bison off easily.

Gray closed on Loia quickly, forcing him to kick the ball over the end line, setting up the corner kick that would eventually tie the game. The ensuing momentum helped lift the Lions to a 3-1 victory.

Though his goal may have been a little abnormal, the hustle play that set it up was typical Gray.

"David Gray will go through brick walls for Penn State," head coach Barry Gorman said. "He's gonna do whatever it takes no matter what."

Gorman refuses to take all the credit for inserting Gray as a striker. In fact, Gorman and his assistants were downright puzzled on what to do with the decimated lineup, missing top scoring threats Jason Yeisley, Christoph Ascherl and Jacobo Vera.

He got advice from an uncommon source, Brenda Gorman, his wife of 30 years and Penn State's biggest fan.

"I went home and my wife said 'think outside the box,' " Gorman said. "So, she'll let me get out of the doghouse for the night."

Contrarily, Gorman decided to think inside the box, the defensive box, that is. That's where he found the steady Gray, who has averaged only six shots-on-goal per season in his entire Penn State career.

It was just crazy enough to work.

Gray accepted the burden willingly, as he has done in his four years.

"It's always nice to get your fame and glory," Gray said.

His dedication and loyalty is no surprise. A graduate of State College High School, he could say that he was born to play for Penn State. He makes no qualms about letting his true colors show.

"He's a Penn Stater," Gorman said. "Through and through."