Penn State Football: 5 Players Who'll Be Helped by Bill O'Brien's New System

Bill O'Brien's new system is going to require adjustments, but it is also going to benefit several of Penn State's offensive players.

The Nittany Lions are used to a vanilla, conservative attack. O'Brien's system will throw in some new wrinkles, stick to traditional concepts and try to exploit any mismatches at the skill positions.

Penn State's adjustment period may not be softened by the benefits, but specific players will have a much easier time.

O'Brien's new system is not going to tack on wins right away, but some players will see a boost in their individual performance.

Let's take a look at which Penn State players will benefit the most from the Nittany Lions' new offensive scheme.

Bill Belton

Bill Belton will benefit dramatically from a move to Penn State's backfield. Belton will serve as Silas Redd's occasional backup and a third-down weapon.

Bill O'Brien's attack will make great use of Belton's versatility and speed. Belton's a burner in the open field with top-notch elusiveness once he hits the second level.

Given his prior experience at wide receiver, Belton will see time all over the field this year. At least, one would think so. Belton's versatility will provide depth to the Penn State offense and keep opposing defenses off balance.

Every spread offense, or really any modern offense, needs that wild-card weapon. Belton is that guy.

He is fearless for his size, can play multiple positions and is just scratching his potential. Expect big things from Belton going forward.

Alex Kenney

Alex Kenney may be Penn State's fastest player this season. He will get ample opportunities to win a starting position in the slot, and will serve as an extra weapon at the very least.

Kenney is a perfect candidate to work underneath in Bill O'Brien's offense. He runs solid routes, has good hands and is too fast for any linebacker to cover over the middle. 

Kenney's presence on the inside will increase the production of Penn State's tight ends and allow their top receivers to blow the top off of the defense.

Bill O'Brien made due with several glorified slot receivers while running the New England Patriots' attack. Kenney fits that mold to a tee.

Kenney will not be Penn State's best player, or even their best receiver, but he will be a weapon worth watching every time he touches the ball.

Garry Gilliam

Garry Gilliam's 6'7'' frame is tailor-made for Bill O'Brien's attack.

O'Brien loves to use tight ends. Gilliam will never be Aaron Hernandez or Rob Gronkowski, but he's better than what people think.

Gilliam's injury history make him a relatively unknown commodity in Penn State circles. He will have every chance to show his stuff this year.

O'Brien's offense requires quick decisions behind center, especially if the quarterback is under duress. All check-downs will be targeted toward a releasing running back, slot receiver or tight end.

Gilliam's frame will provide a great option in the red zone and will work well underneath. With a little refinement and experience, Gilliam could be a surprising contributor to Penn State's aerial attack.

His size will also allow him to remain on the offensive line and clear the way for the Nittany Lion ball-carriers.

Gilliam is mostly a mystery, but not for long. Look for him to improve exponentially by the end of this season.

The Offensive Line

This is cheating a bit, but I am going to give this one to the entire offensive line. Bill O'Brien's system requires a solid offensive line, and Penn State's group will benefit from Mac McWhorter's tutelage.

The Nittany Lions will have four new starters up front this season. Normally, that would be a bad thing. Penn State's hogs will have their growing pains, like anyone else, but they will develop quickly.

O'Brien's system requires quick, trap blocks. It is not designed for offensive linemen to block for extended periods of time.

This is based off of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's ability to get the ball out quickly while operating O'Brien's system. I'm not sure Penn State's quarterbacks will handle things the same way, but the idea is there.

Penn State's offensive line will have a much easier time if Matt McGloin, or any other Penn State quarterback, can make quick decisions like they are supposed too.

O'Brien's system along with McWhorter's superb coaching should have this offensive line ready to move mountains this season.

Silas Redd

Silas Redd would thrive in most systems because he is extremely talented, but he will benefit enormously from Bill O'Brien's new system.

Just think, how many times did NFL fans say "what if the Patriots had a running back?" Well, this isn't the Patriots, but O'Brien's system now has the running back it needs.

Redd's ability to slash through the line will fit this scheme like a glove. His speed will find cracks in the opposing front seven and will be enhanced because of the spread offense.

Splitting multiple weapons out will spread the defense out. This will give Redd a ton of room to run and increase his production.

Everyone knows Redd is going to get the ball when they play Penn State. He is undoubtedly the Nittany Lions' strongest offensive player and warrants a heavy workload.

In O'Brien's new system, the specific plays will change, but Redd's role will not.

If anything, expect Redd's numbers to improve.