Penn State Football: Predicting Stats for Nittany Lions' Top Performers in 2012

Penn State's offense is a big question this season, but the defense should be in decent shape. By now you know the key names on both sides of the football, but how much should you expect to see out of them this fall?

Here is a look at how five key players on Penn State performed last season, and whether they are trending upward, downward or staying steady heading into the 2012 season.

Matt McGloin, Quarterback

2011 Stats

125-of-231 (54.1 completion percentage), 1,571 yards
8 passing touchdowns, 5 interceptions

Trending: Steady

Matt McGloin figures to be the main quarterback this season for Penn State, although if he happens to struggle, another option could find his way to the field, be it Rob Bolden or Paul Jones.

If McGloin manages to hold on to the starting job for the full season and does not split playing time under center in a dual-quarterback system, then his numbers should increase exponentially. 

What could harm McGloin's offensive production is uncertainty at the wide receiver position, which will be heavily dependent on Justin Brown and the speed at which the offense adapts to Bill O'Brien's new offensive plans. Expect to see some growing pains along the way, and with an erratic quarterback prone to force some plays, that could lead to some ugly outings.

McGloin's numbers were mostly on par with his 2010 stats under similar circumstances, although he had a considerably higher amount of playing time.  

Predictions

2,073 yards, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions

56.2 completion percentage

Silas Redd, Running Back

2011 Stats

1,241 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns

Trending: Up

Silas Redd has become the best player on the offense for Penn State, and he should once again prove to be the primary weapon of choice for Bill O'Brien, regardless of the offensive system being played. Redd (if he can stay healthy and on the field) appears to be emerging as a legitimate contender for the title of top running back in the Big Ten, with Wisconsin's Montee Ball serving as the incumbent.

What could hold Redd back is Penn State's potential need to lean on him so much. With questions in the passing game exceeding the concerns from last season and the potential adjustment period needed to pick up the new philosophy, Redd could be an easy target for opposing defenses.

Predictions

1,486 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns

Justin Brown, Wide Receiver

2011 Stats

35 receptions, 517 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

Trending: Rising

Justin Brown's development may not have played out as once hoped for at Penn State, but he has been consistent with his production and looks to continue improving this season. Brown's numbers rose slightly in 2011 compared to his 2010 totals, but he averaged fewer than three receptions per game.

When prognosticating what Brown will do in 2012, we must remember that the Lions are lacking other options at receiver and the quarterback position remains a significant concern.

Predictions

39 receptions, 689 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns

Jordan Hill, Defensive Tackle

2011 Stats

59 tackles (22 solo), 8.0 TFL, 3.5 Sacks

Trending: Up

Jordan Hill is the next in line to lead Penn State's defensive line, formally filling the shoes of Devon Still. Already establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the trenches, Hill may not have the overall skill set as his predecessor, but if he remains healthy and Pete Massaro stays on the field, there is a realistic chance that Hill can exceed some of the numbers left by Still last fall. Remember, Still hobbled to the finish line last season with flu and foot injury concerns.

Do not expect Hill to blow away last year's numbers, but do anticipate a rise in defensive production. 

Prediction

63 tackles (30 solo), 14.5 TFL, 5.0 sacks

Gerald Hodges, Linebacker

2011 Stats

106 tackles (60 solo), 10.0 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception

Trending: Down

Gerald Hodges is not likely to repeat his defensive numbers from a season ago, but that is only because the Lions were so dominant in 2011. Hodges also needed to lead the way at linebacker with Michael Mauti being sidelined early in the season. Now that Mauti is back on the field in 2012, it is likely that some of Hodges' production drops a bit, but not at an alarming rate.

Hodges will still be dominant and is expected to be a decent NFL draft pick next year, but if Mauti is healthy, he will not have to be relied on so heavily this fall.

Predictions

103 tackles (57 solo), 9.0 TFL 3.5 sacks

Stats provided by CFBStats.com

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..