Penn State Football: What Incoming Freshman Should Expect in 2012

Training camp is just around the corner for college football programs (and some have already opened camps along the way), which means that incoming freshmen are about to get a little bit of a dose of reality from coast to coast.

The experience may be somewhat unique to those making their way to Penn State for the fall. The changing of the guard on the sideline may not affect them so much, having never played for Joe Paterno, but the impact of the change will certainly be felt from start to finish as they develop chemistry with their teammates.

Here is a look at 10 things that incoming freshmen should expect this season.

1. This Is Not High School

This goes without saying, but bears reminding for any college freshman first arriving on campus.

For many, this will be their first time away from home, which means responsibilities are much more abundant and important. Not only are classes important, but being able to manage your own time in a responsible fashion is key.

On the field, the action will be much more physical than ever before. Plays will develop faster than ever before. The mental toughness needed will be in more demand than ever before in practice and in games.

You may have dominated on Friday nights, but it will take more to be successful on Saturday afternoons.

2. Tight Ends Are the New Craze

If you play the tight end position, you better get ready to play and contribute.

In Bill O'Brien's new-look offense, it's expected the tight end position will be used in a way it never has been before at Penn State.

Jesse James is hoping to get some snaps on the field this fall after enrolling early and getting a head start on grasping the playbook.

3. Your New Biggest Rival Is Ohio State

Anybody who plays football has a rival. For Penn State, your new biggest rival is Ohio State.

During your three-to-five years in State College, you will learn to hate Ohio State, who plays inside your division.

The Buckeyes are unable to do anything this season as far as postseason plans go, due to an NCAA ban, but that might just make them even more of a pest during division play.

They know that they cannot claim the Leaders Division or Big Ten title, but they sure as heck can make it more difficult for everybody else.

They have the swagger. They have Urban Meyer. They have guys that turned their back on your program.

Oh yes, you will hate Ohio State.

4. Embrace the History of the Program

The past year has been nothing short of a permanent stain on what was believed to be a pristine program.

The truth is, until we know anything else, the program itself is still one to be proud of. Take some time to dig past what happened in the last year and take note of the history of the program that includes a pair of national championships and a good helping of undefeated seasons that went unrewarded.

Learn about the lessons of Joe Paterno. Be sure to recognize just why a man with the last name Giftopoulos will never have to pick up the check in State College ever again, and watch the determination and devotion to his teammates of Paul Posluszny in the Orange Bowl.

Appreciate the tale and dedication demonstrated by Michael Robinson, and watch film of greats such as Jack Ham, Ki-Jana Carter, Kerry Collins and Shane Conlan.

Take note of the uniforms as you do and come to realize that when you play at Penn State, you do so as a team more than anything else.

5. Penn State Fans Will Be There for You

If there is one thing that can be said about the Penn State fans, they can be loyal almost to a fault. On Saturdays, nothing else matters but Penn State football and anywhere between 95,000 and 110,000 will be on hand to remind you of that.

Sure, those students may find those noon kickoffs just a little too hard to get up for, but they will have your back no matter what as long as you abide by the rules.

Embrace them, and they will be sure to embrace you back.

Kevin McGuire is the host of the No 2-Minute Warning podcast, managing editor of Nittany Lions Den and a member of the Football Writers Association of America and National Football Foundation. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook and add him to your Google+ circle.