There may not be a more pressing question in Happy Valley these days than who will start at quarterback when Penn State kicks off its season against Youngstown State on Sept. 4.
And there may not be anyone who wants the answer more than the man who ultimately has the power to make that decision: football coach Joe Paterno.
Despite the quarterback race being narrowed from four to three last week — freshman Paul Jones apparently the odd man out after the coaching staff reportedly opted to redshirt him — no decision has been made on Kevin Newsome, Matt McGloin or Robert Bolden being the starter. And that decision may not be announced until next week.
“There isn’t anybody with any experience out there,” said Paterno, who hasn’t seen a true freshman start the season at quarterback in 60 years at Penn State. “Even the Newsome kid is really a freshman. He started in January a year ago. I really don’t know who’s going to be the quarterback. I don’t know right now.”
With Jones seemingly out of the picture, Newsome and McGloin, both with sophomore eligibility, and Bolden, a true freshman, are splitting snaps evenly as part of one of the most hotly contested, intriguing quarterback competitions in recent memory.
Despite joining the team in May, Bolden surpassed Jones, a five-star recruit and star of the Blue-White game. Sources say Bolden has looked impressive throughout fall practice, and Paterno said earlier this month he may have to play a freshman.
The Lions only travel with three quarterbacks, making the decision to redshirt someone necessary. Jones’ mother refused comment in a text message.
Paterno said experience would be a factor in the race but added that it didn’t necessarily mean Newsome and McGloin have a huge edge. The two have combined for just 13 passes in their collegiate careers.
Newsome, who entered practice as the favorite for the starting job but has not yet emerged as the starter, said he is hoping for a decision soon.
“In a perfect world, any quarterback would want the job decided right now — bam,” Newsome said. “Whoever he chooses is going to be ready because we all trust Coach Joe.”
Paterno’s decision is so difficult, Newsome said, because of the talent and depth at the position. He praised the other quarterbacks, saying “all of them can go to different places and play and start.”
At Media Day Aug. 12, McGloin, a former walk-on, was asked what he thinks is the most important aspect of the quarterback race.
“The leadership role,” McGloin said. “I’m not saying we don’t have any leaders — we definitely do. But I think a quarterback needs to be somebody that needs to take control of a team in the huddle.”
When asked if those are traits that define him, McGloin answered swiftly.
“Absolutely I think I can get the job done,” he said. “That leadership role, I think I can fill it in very well. Because when you’re in that huddle and you need that first down, team’s going to look to you and look for you to make a play. I’m going to be able to look back on them, say, ‘Guys, I can do this. Let’s get it done.’ ”