While Terrelle Pryor continues to mull his college decision and Daryll Clark seemingly prepares to move into the starting quarterback position, Pat Devlin has stuck to his routine.
Aside from the 6 a.m. workout sessions, the redshirt sophomore quarterback often throws the ball around with a few teammates when classes are done for the day. As spring practices loom, Devlin said he feels good about his arm and his current status.
Competing for the starting quarterback position is Devlin's focus, and it won't change if Pryor decides to play for Penn State. And despite Clark being next in line for the starting position, Devlin said he has not thought about transferring.
At the moment, his stiffest competition is Clark, who appeared in eight games last season. Devlin said he has enjoyed working with Clark and they have "been feeding off one another and trying to get better."
"That's what it's all about right now," Devlin said. "Since Anthony [Morelli] is gone, we're all on a level playing field. It's going to take playing well, and playing smart and doing all the right things on the field."
Devlin said he hasn't given the possibility of Pryor being a teammate too much thought, but it would provide added motivation.
"It would be no different than when I got here, and I had to compete against Anthony and all the guys that were here, like Paul [Cianciolo] and Daryll," Devlin said. "If he comes here, that would be great and would bring even more competition that will push us that much further probably."
Devlin only appeared in the Nittany Lions' 59-0 rout of FIU in last year's season opener, where he registered an incomplete pass late in the fourth quarter.
If Pryor decides to play for Penn State, Scout.com regional manager Bob Lichtenfels expects him to go through the same process Clark and Devlin have gone through.
Devlin's college experience and knowledge is something Pryor will need to obtain before he earns a starting position. Devlin said he feels he has grown in a lot of areas when it comes to his football ability, like his eating, lifting and workout habits.
When spring practice starts, Devlin said he is excited to get the chance to run some plays with the first-string players, who are veterans Devlin is looking forward to learning from.
"He has a chance to do some special things," Lichtenfels said about Devlin. "I personally think he was a better high school quarterback than Morelli was. I expect Pat to maybe be one of the best quarterbacks Penn State has had since Kerry Collins. He's got that type of potential."
Watching Pryor's stranglehold on the media has put things in perspective for Downingtown East High School football coach Michael Matta. Devlin's former coach remembers his quarterback being a well-liked and subdued player that attempted to deflect the spotlight.
Unlike Pryor, Matta said Devlin is not a "media individual, and he would never wait to throw attention to himself." Matta showed confidence in Devlin's abilities and is eagerly waiting to see him lead the Penn State offense.
"Regardless of where Pryor goes, Pat is concerned with making him the best he can be and winning the starting job," Matta said. "He has it, he just needs the opportunity. He's a very competitive young man, but I don't think he's out to prove anything."
Despite turning away from a verbal commitment to Miami at the last minute, Devlin said he is happy with his choice and the track he is on as a Lion. Whether Pryor will be a teammate or on the opposite side of the field for another Big Ten school, Devlin will continue to focus on his own career.
"I never really doubted my decision," Devlin said. "I'm very confident in my abilities, and I feel like I'm a very tough competitor. I feel like if you give me time, I'll be able to work on anything that I need to work on and get that much better at it."
