Daryll Clark Looks to Lead Penn State in 2009

One of the best, or worst, parts about spring practice is that everybody seems to put out some articles about the evolving leadership of the team heading into 2009. Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette did just that with a feature on quarterback Daryll Clark on Sunday.

Musselman recaps Clark's thoughts on the Rose Bowl loss and discusses how Clark will be looked upon as more of a leader in 2009, not that everybody didn't already know that. Jay Paterno sees a change in Clark's leader status as well.

"He's been a different person compared to last year," quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno said. "He's in charge of things. He's been making sure guys get to workouts and things. His actions give you confidence he'll be the kind of leader you want him to be."
Via Ron Musselman/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

There is no doubt that the leader of the offense of this team will be Clark. As long as Clark stays healthy and on the field then the offense should be in very capable hands. Clark went 11-2 in his first year as the starting quarterback, leading Penn State to a Big Ten championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl.

Of course Clark had senior helping him out with the likes of Jordan Norwood, Deon Butler, and Derrick Williams. Those guys are gone now and it is time for the upcoming receivers to step up their game.

There is potential at wide receiver. With juniors Graham Zug and Brett Bracket and sophomores Chaz Powell and Derek Moye all receiving some playing time last year it is not impossible to think that the position is dry of talent.

The skills and potential are there for a solid receiving corp. As is the Penn State way, nothing will be flashy but everything will be hard earned.

But the emphasis of the offense will clearly start with Clark. The offensive line, while needing to fill some gaps from graduation, will need to do a good job of blocking for Clark. Clark suffered a concussion last season in the Ohio State game and saw more pressure than you would typically like to see, but he got the job done.

Clark is just the guy to be the starting quarterback for this team this year.

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