Penn State Football: First Spring Practice Recap

With the Nittany Lions opening up practice on Friday, all eyes were on Joe Paterno.

For the first time since early last season, Paterno was seen coaching his team on the field level without the aide of a cane.

The returning players, meanwhile, have already gone through one of the toughest winter training schedules they have seen, and it should help set the tone for 2009.

Sean Lee says it is all about getting back to where the team was in 2008, and to finish next season on a better note.

Paterno seems to have made no secret about his disappointments in his team's performance in the Rose Bowl against USC.

Aside form making a point to gush about the men's basketball team, Paterno also made note that the area on his team that needs the most significant improvement is the secondary.

The 2007 regular season ended on a sour note when Penn State gave up a lead at Michigan State when the Spartans all of a sudden found the holes in the secondary and mounted a tremendous comeback victory.

The 2008 season ended with a Rose Bowl loss in which USC exploited many of those same weak spots.

Not only has Penn State addressed that concern in recruiting, but it seems Paterno has made it clear to his current players that they need to step it up.

All signs seem to indicate that Daryll Clark and Sean Lee have stepped up to assume leadership roles, which does not come as a surprise, given both player's positions on the team.

With some of the losses the team had to graduation and to players declaring for the NFL Draft, the leadership role will be vital in keeping younger and less experienced players in check.

It appears that Novorro Bowman has changed his number to No.11, and freshman quarterback Kevin Newsome will wear No. 12.

Want more? Check out the press conference transcript.