Matt McGloin: Penn State Quarterback Is About to Become a Household Name

We have been reminded over the past few months that, for better or for worse, athletic programs are often the faces of universities.

In football, the quarterback is often the face and voice of the team.

Such will be the case in 2012 with Penn State's Matt McGloin.

Head coach Bill O'Brien will be the one at the podium and at the forefront until the season begins. Starting with the opening kickoff against Ohio, all of that will change.

Whether they admit it or not, a large chunk of the nation is going to tune in to a lot of Penn State games this season. Some will be supporters. Some will be just curious. Some will be wanting to see a flaming train wreck and visible evidence of the impact of the hammer dropped by the NCAA.

What they'll see is Matt McGloin.

They'll see him leading a team full of kids, unfairly associated with the disgusting acts of powerful individuals above them, playing for pride and nothing more.

To the surprise of many who are going to be ignorant to how NCAA sanctions work, they'll see him lead his team to victories. They'll see him run an efficient offense and make few mistakes.

They'll also see post-game interviews with him, on national television, where he'll echo the statements he has already made on his Twitter account. He'll talk about unity, why he stayed and why these players are going to take the field every Saturday with the intent of winning games and expecting nothing from anyone in the way of pity. 

By the end of the season, the nation may not have changed its view on Penn State University, but if Matt McGloin has anything to say about it, there will be people who will change their perspective on the players who wear the football uniforms and the caliber of individuals in that locker room.

Matt McGloin is going to make it his mission to separate himself and his teammates from the hate cast down on the university they attend without giving up on their original commitment to their choice of college.

By the end of 2012, the nation will know Matt McGloin.