7 Penn State Players to Watch in 2011

The Penn State Nittany Lions enter 2011 with several question marks.

Joe Paterno and the rest of the Penn State coaching staff will rely heavily upon proven names such as Derek Moye to answer some of these questions. However, they will also rely on a number of players to develop into steady contributors on both sides of the ball.

On defense, playmakers are desperately needed if they want to succeed. In the Big Ten, only Indiana forced fewer turnovers than the Nittany Lions' defense.

On offense, a consistent passing threat will need to find a home behind center, and Stefan Wisniewski will need to be replaced on the interior line.

The Nittany Lions' success this season will rest heavily on how well certain players fill roles and emerge as viable threats. The question is, how quickly can they mature and how effective can they be?

Here are seven Nittany Lions to keep an eye on in 2011.

Justin Brown

Justin Brown has all the size and ability to be a quality collegiate receiver in Happy Valley.

Standing 6'3'', Brown gives the Nittany Lions a dangerous red-zone threat. He also possesses the speed to burn his man deep and the toughness to go over the middle.

Brown is coming off a disappointing 2010 season culminating in a wretched Outback Bowl performance. In the Nittany Lions' bowl matchup against the Florida Gators to end the season, Brown had just two catches and three drops.

Derek Moye receives most of the attention from opposing defenses. This should allow Brown plenty of opportunities to show off his ability.

Look for Brown to emerge as a reliable No. 2 target for Rob Bolden through the air. If he does, the Nittany Lions will have one of the most dangerous receiving combos in the Big Ten and even the nation.

Silas Redd

Silas Redd was arguably a breakout player in 2010. However, in 2011, Redd will get a chance to breakout in a full-time role.

Redd will look to replace Penn State's all-time rushing yards' leader, Evan Royster, and many expect Redd to do so seamlessly.

A perfect combination of speed and power, Redd managed to carry the ball for over 400 yards as a backup in his freshman season. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, Redd proved to be explosive when hitting the hole and powerful when he hit the second level of the defense.

With the quarterback situation shrouded in uncertainty Redd should receive carries early and often.

Redd will not disappoint and will be a household name in the Big Ten by the end of the season.

Johnnie Troutman

Johnnie Troutman has the responsibility of softening the loss of star guard Stefan Wisniewski.

Entering his senior season, Troutman will need to be strong on the inside if Penn State hopes to grind it out on the ground. He will also need to be strong in pass protection as Rob Bolden looks to get his feet under him early in the season.

The Nittany Lions have three full-time starters back along the front line. While both tackles seem to be solidified, Troutman along with DeOn'tae Pannell will be relied upon to solidify the interior line.

Given the inexperience of Bolden behind center, and the inexperience of Silas Redd in the backfield, a reliable offensive line will be absolutely necessary in order for Penn State to be successful this season. Because of Troutman's experience, he will need to emerge as a leader up front.

By the end of the season, Troutman will not be mentioned in the same breath as Wisniewski, but he will a player who stepped up when he was needed the most.

Devon Still

With the loss of Ollie Ogbu in the middle of the Penn State defensive line, it is time for senior Devon Still to live up to his potential.

Last season, Still managed to accumulate four sacks playing next to the reliable Ogbu. This season, he will be relied upon to do that and more.

Still is a hulking presence in the middle, and he also possesses the athleticism needed to chase down opposing players in the backfield.

While doing this in a secondary role last season, Still will need to eat double teams, sack the quarterback and make sure running backs do not get to the Penn State linebackers unimpeded.

Penn State simply needs more production from its defense in 2011. In order for that to happen, it all starts up front with Still.

Michael Mauti

Michael Mauti may be the next name to continue Penn State's great linebacker tradition.

Despite being hampered by injuries the last two seasons, Mauti is healthy and ready to go in 2011.

Based on talent alone, Mauti has it all. He is strong against the run because of his ability to shed blockers. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and is a sure tackler once he reaches the ball-carrier.

With the departures of Chris Colasanti and Bani Gbadyu at linebacker someone will need to step up. Mauti is the obvious choice, and if he plays up too his full potential he could be on the radar for All-Big Ten honors by season's end.

Penn State's defense needs a playmaker in the worst way if they want to improve on their 17 forced turnovers from a season ago. Look for Mauti to emerge quickly in the middle of an improved Penn State defense.

Stephon Morris

Stephon Morris is the only non-senior starter in the Penn State secondary to start the season.

A junior cornerback, Morris will receive a lot of attention because of the reliable presence of senior D'Anton Lynn on the other side of the field.

Morris had no interceptions last season, but his 39 tackles show he has the ability to step up and be a threat against the run game.

In terms of ability, Penn State's secondary is its strongest defensive unit this season. In order for that to be maintained, Morris will need to stand up too the pressure he is sure to receive.

This season will be Morris' breakout season as he continues to progress as a cover corner.

Robert Bolden

The 2010 season was a disappointment for Robert Bolden to say the least.

Despite being handed the starting position at the beginning of the season, Bolden would wind up starting only seven games. His lack of production, combined with an injury contributed too the starting job being handed over to walk-on Matt McGloin.

This season, Bolden is going to realize the his lofty potential and improve on his five touchdowns from 2010.

He has the arm needed to make the throws, and he also possesses the legs needed to elude the pass-rush and make plays happen outside of the pocket.

Maturity and awareness are the two main areas Bolden needs to show progress in. He threw seven interceptions last season in his limited time, and that simply cannot happen if the Nittany Lions want to be successful this season.

Joe Paterno will have Bolden on a short leash to start the season, but a hot start could give him the starting job without a doubt for the rest of the season.

Look for Bolden to emerge and run away with the quarterback job in Happy Valley.