9 Underclassmen to Watch in 2011

The Penn State Nittany Lions have a versatile blend of experienced veterans and exciting young players in the mix this season.

By this time in their careers, veterans have already established themselves as household names. They are looked upon for leadership and hopefully talent as well.

Freshmen and sophomores have a smaller monkey on their backs. They don't necessarily face the high expectations, but they do possess an exciting air around their blockbuster potential.

This season, the Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back from a 7-6 2010 season. Their offense sputtered throughout the season, and their defense lacked the characteristic Nittany Lions toughness.

In order for that to change in 2011, a new batch of talent will need to step up on both sides of the ball.

Here are nine underclassmen ready to make an impact in Happy Valley.

DaQuan Jones

DaQuan Jones lacks experience at defensive tackle.

However, he does not lack the size needed to plug the middle.

Jones, a sophomore, weighs in at more than 300 pounds. Jones' athleticism allows him to utilize his size. He has the ability to shed blockers or eat up multiple blocks.

Currently, Jones sits behind Devon Still on the Penn State depth chart. Still is an extremely talented player.

However, he has never reached the ceiling Penn State fans were hoping for.

If Still falters in 2011, Joe Paterno will need to find a replacement in the middle. Jones could be the leading candidate if JoePa comes calling for another space-eater.

He may never be a household name in Happy Valley, but Jones could give the Nittany Lions' run-defense a major boost this season.

Sam Ficken

Joe Paterno will need to replace Colin Wagner as the Nittany Lions' placekicker in 2011.

Evan Lewis is currently listed as the starter with Anthony Fera listed as the backup punter and kicker.

Despite being a true freshman, Sam Ficken may be the best option of the three to kick for Penn State this season.

Ficken has major accolades following him out of high school, including All-State honors. He has a lot of talent, and despite his inexperience, he could be given a chance to show that talent this season.

Lewis is far from proven, and if he falters early, Paterno could roll the dice on Ficken very early this season.

Mike Hull

Mike Hull brings more talent to an already-talented Nittany Lions linebacker unit this season.

A Pennsylvania kid, Hull fits the bill for Penn State from top-to-bottom. He possesses sideline-to-sideline speed and is not afraid to square up on a ball-carrier.

Hull has the instincts to play in Tom Bradley's complex scheme, and his ability to adapt to Bradley's schemes could determine how much time Hull sees this season.

The Nittany Lions' depth at linebacker could keep Hull off the field despite his talent. Early in the season, he will need to make good on any opportunities he is given. At the very least, Hull should be a menace on kickoff coverage.

Whether it is this season or the next, Penn State fans can expect big things from Hull in the future.

Khairi Fortt

Khairi Fortt has a chance to be another great name at "Linebacker U."

He just has to rise to the occasion.

The emergence of Glenn Carson in the middle has pushed Michael Mauti to the outside, and Gerald Hodges is still holding it down on the other side.

That leaves Fortt on the outside looking in. In order to earn Joe Paterno's attention, Fortt will need to display plenty of energy to go along with his outstanding athletic ability.

Fortt will see the field early in the season for sure. However, his role is uncertain. He may start the season as a situational player, but one injury will have him right in the thick of things.

Penn State fans may need to be patient, but as the season goes along, expect to see Fortt more and more. He is too good to keep on the sidelines for too long.

Shawney Kersey

Shawney Kersey beat out veteran Devon Smith for the third receiver spot on the Nittany Lions' offense.

Kersey, a redshirt sophomore, is a speed threat in the slot. Speed over the middle and on check-down routes could prove very valuable in an unsettled quarterback situation for Penn State.

Quickness, the ability to get open and toughness are needed to play in the slot. Kersey may lack the size to make it obvious, but he is a gritty receiver when the time is right.

Penn State needs explosive playmakers on offense this season. Kersey, along with Smith (at times), will provide Rob Bolden or Matt McGloin a homerun threat.

Speed kills in football and sports in general. Kersey brings a lot of speed to the table for Joe Paterno and the Penn State coaching staff.

Glenn Carson

Glenn Carson has impressed anyone paying attention to the Penn State Nittany Lions' preseason workouts.

Carson has been so impressive that Michael Mauti has been bumped out of the middle and placed on the outside to make room for him.

Middle linebackers must possess range, great tackling ability and great instincts. Carson possesses all of these qualities and plays the game downhill.

As usual, Tom Bradley has a stable of linebackers at his disposal this season. Carson is an emerging potential star among that group.

A very fast rise to starter could lead to Carson becoming a household name for Penn State football fans.

Malcolm Willis

Malcolm Willis certainly has the ability to start for Penn State this season.

However, he has the luck to be stuck in Penn State's strongest defensive unit.

Veteran safety Nick Sukay will start the season at free safety, but Sukay does have a history of injuries.

Because of Sukay's fragility, Willis must be ready to play. Willis provides a versatile presence in the defensive backfield and adds another playmaker to the defensive fold.

Willis has the size to bring down ball-carriers or the agility to track down balls in the air. As he continues to learn the playbook, his playmaking ability should increase.

Penn State's defense needs improvement across the board from last season. It starts up front, but help on the backside would be a tremendous boost as well.

Playmakers like Willis could play a very important role.

Robert Bolden

Entering the 2010 season, Robert Bolden was surrounded by excitement.

In 2011, Bolden enters shrouded in uncertainty.

Talent never seemed to be the issue for Bolden last season. His youth and inexperience overshadowed any physical progress he may have made on a consistent basis.

Bolden's failure to grasp the offensive playbook, as well as his youth, held him back from achieving a successful freshman season.

This season, Bolden is a year older, stronger and should have a chip on his shoulder.

With the quarterback position totally up for grabs until the showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide, look for Bolden to make a statement early in Week 1.

Physically, he has what it takes to make Penn State a surprise team this season.

Now the only question is, can he put it all together?

Silas Redd

Silas Redd is as anticipated as any player on the Penn State football roster.

This season, Redd looks to fill the huge shoes of Evan Royster, Penn State's all-time leading rusher.

Based on flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, Redd has all the potential needed to be a star in Happy Valley.

Redd keeps his pad level low and uses his center of gravity to bowl over opponents if need be. He is also very shifty in the open field and change holes on a dime. Redd shows great instincts at the line and is known to be a student of the game.

With so much uncertainty surrounding Penn State's quarterback situation, Redd will be relied upon to be a major contributor on offense.

Based on ability, the sky is the limit for Redd. Can he handle a bigger role and heavier workload?