Penn State Football: 5 Unheralded Former Recruits That Should Impact This Season

Penn State football isn't just a fall sport. It runs year-round for Joe Paterno, his players and their fans.

Every offseason, college football diehards funnel their passion for the gridiron into recruiting. Penn State football fans are no different. Yes, national signing day passed back in February, but that doesn't stop fans from eagerly looking ahead to next February and scouring the headlines for verbal agreements and schools being crossed off a top prospect's list one by one.

There are countless websites and magazines dedicated to providing rankings and ratings. Nevertheless, players that dominated the high school ranks slip into Paterno's feared doghouse or don't perform on the field, while players nobody took a second glance at blossom into stars at the next level.

Here are a few of the latter: players who didn't arrive at Penn State with much fanfare but who should play a large part in how well the Nittany Lions perform in 2011.

Joe Suhey

Joe Suhey came to Penn State more famous for his name than any gaudy state records set in high school. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather all played for the Blue and White, the last two winning All-American honors at the University.

Now a fifth year senior, Suhey has become a valuable part of the Nittany Lion offense. He has seen more time at fullback over the previous three seasons than anyone else, though Michael Zordich appeared as a worthy challenger last fall. His contributions have come in a variety of ways—as a runner, a receiver, and perhaps most frequently as a blocker.

As the team now searches to replace the production of the departed Evan Royster, the school's all-time leading rusher, Suhey could find the ball in his hands a little more often.

It's more likely, however, that his main service will come as a lead blocker for Silas Redd and playing safety net for a partially retooled offensive line. His ability to pick up the extra blitzer or seal off the hole could make the difference for a young offense heavy on talent but light on experience. And that same offense will benefit from his pedigree and experience as well.

Devon Smith

Any attention paid to Devon Smith coming out of high school was usually for one reason: his speed.  Perhaps understandably, his lack of size made a lot of large programs wary about his ability to succeed in college. But the same quickness that helped Smith to a state championship in track and field caught the eye of Penn State coaches, and it was a good thing it did.

Smith caught the eyes of the Nittany Lion faithful in his first college game, where he reeled in two catches against Akron. It wasn't a groundbreaking day, but he was noticeable for, what else? His speed. 

He continued to see the field the rest of his freshman season, but it was his sophomore campaign where Smith really began to make his mark on the team. The receiver emerged as a deep threat, catching 27 passes, six of which went for at least 20 yard gains. He also became Penn State's main return man on punts.

Now a junior, this season should see Smith mature even further at the wide receiver position, where his speed provides a great complement to larger receivers like Derek Moye and Justin Brown.

Don't be surprised to see Penn State line him up in the backfield for pitches and screens either, in addition to his contributions on special teams.

Drew Astorino

Drew Astorino is a household name for most Penn State fans as a fifth year senior, but it wasn't always so. When he first took the field in the 2008 opener amid a crowded and experienced defensive backfield including Anthony Scirotto and AJ Wallace many were asking who this freshman was. By his third game he had his first interception, and now three years later, Astorino hasn't missed a game. 

Overshadowed by recruits like Nick Sukay and Chaz Powell upon his arrival, Astorino carved out a role as a backup safety and nickel corner his freshman season and never let go. In fact he expanded it, quickly claiming a spot as a starting safety his sophomore year. Astorino has put that position to good use, garnering Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Honors the past two seasons.

One of the surest tacklers on the team will be relied on once again during his senior season. While Penn State tries to establish a consistent group of defensive starters, they will rely on Astorino to perform as the team and fans have come to expect he will at the safety position. 

In 2010 the defense never quite found their Posluszny, Connor or Lee. Their Bowman or Maybin. That one playmaker among the best in the country at his position who could anchor the team.

If they hope to retain their reputation as one of the best defensive sides in the Big Ten, that player will need to be there this year. Maybe, he already is.

Malcolm Willis

Stepping onto the field as a freshman isn't always the easiest path, but it's exactly what Malcolm Willis did when the Nittany Lions needed him last year. When injuries began taking their toll on the Penn State secondary, Willis came off the bench and provided some much needed energy and playmaking for a defense searching for its identity.

Despite only starting in six contests, Willis finished 2010 as the Lions' sixth leading tackler. After injuries beset the safeties, Willis got his first start against Michigan and never relinquished the position, starting every game the rest of the season. 

Though it may be a little early to tell, he seems to have a knack for the big moment, nabbing his first career interception off a fourth quarter pass by Ohio State's star quarterback Terrelle Pryor. 

A healthy Nick Sukay surely plans on making it a challenge for Willis to retain his safety spot opposite Astorino, but judging off Willis' stellar play in 2010 the sophomore should be more than ready. 

Alex Butterworth

A bit of a surprise addition to this list, (though to be fair, this is a list of surprises) Alex Butterworth was never expected to see action for the Lions in 2010. His redshirt season ended abruptly when starting punter Anthony Fera underwent an appendectomy in November.

Though not nearly the prized recruit Fera himself had been, Butterworth performed acceptably for Penn State over the final three games, including the Outback Bowl loss to Florida. The booming punts fans had become accustomed to with Fera's strong leg were noticeably absent, however, as Butterworth's longest punt reached only 50 yards.

This season Fera will be once again healthy, but the departure of placekicker Andrew Wagner should see him moved to that duty, where many originally envisioned him. This could leave the punter position open for Butterworth to make his own. 

It's an underrated spot; Penn State has rarely done well without a competent punter helping them to great field position. The 1982 and 1986 national champion teams both featured great punters in Ralph Giacomarro and the late John Bruno Jr.

Again, these aren't necessarily the five players that will play the best for Penn State in 2011, but they are five players whose success could shape the season for the Lions. Agree? Disagree? Have five of your own? 

Be sure to say so in the comments!