Experience is giving way to potential in Penn State's secondary.

Rising redshirt junior Tony Davis, best known for his 88-yard fumble recovery in Penn State's 20-10 win against Tennessee in the Outback Bowl, may be moving to safety to make room for rising sophomore A.J. Wallace at corner

At the team's first spring practice on Friday, Davis worked out as a safety in the position vacated by graduating senior Donnie Johnson. Wallace -- considered one of the top corner prospects as a high school senior -- would fill Davis' spot at corner.

Second-team All-Big Ten cornerback Justin King and hero back Anthony Scirrotto return, while rising junior Lydell Sargeant and rising redshirt freshman Travis McBride are among those competing for the nickel corner spot.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno said the Davis-and-Wallace configuration is one possibility and that rotations through spring practices could vary.

"I'm not sure he'll stay there," Paterno said of Davis' switch. "It gives us a chance to look at a couple other kids at the corners. We know what Davis can do at corner. Davis is a good football player and obviously he has to stay on the field."

Like King in his freshman year, Wallace spent the majority of his time on offense and special teams while receiving limited time at corner. This season, Paterno feels that Wallace will not see any offensive snaps as a sophomore, and Wallace doesn't mind.

"I'm just trying to get comfortable with one position and learn that really well and just perfect that," Wallace said. "Just basically, whatever gets me ready for the next level."

Scirrotto -- who had a team-best six interceptions -- has emerged as the leader of the secondary and will oversee whoever starts alongside him.

"Everybody is becoming more of a unit," he said. "Our chemistry is getting stronger."
King of the castle

King helped Penn State limit star receivers like Tennessee's Robert Meachem to four catches for 33 yards and Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. to two receptions on 15 yards while recording his only interception against Ohio State. Both receivers announced they would forgo their senior seasons and declare themselves eligible for April's NFL Draft. When asked about his success against Meachem and Ginn and if their decisions could affect his following this upcoming season, he admitted to thinking about the NFL but gave no indication as to when he'd leave.

"The next level should be in anybody's mind that decides to play college football," he added.

Rubin Sandwich

Rising redshirt junior Mark Rubin began his career as a wide receiver before breaking his ankle just before the start of the 2005 season. Last spring, he moved to safety before returning to the offense later in the year. Friday, he worked out as safety, trading in his No. 80 for the No. 9.

"I think he was set on being a wide receiver last year," Scirrotto said, " so he was a little stuck in the 80s."

Father owns up

Prior to last season, Scirrotto's dad promised the first-year starter a new car if he got six interceptions. His father delivered, buying him a Saturn but has not made any such offers for the 2007 season.

"He tells me if I keep breaking records, I can buy my own car," he said.