Penn State Football: 2012 Starting Lineup Projection

What will Penn State's team look like in 2012? The quarterback situation could be as foggy as it was in 2011 and 2010 once again, and there will be some new faces in key positions when the 2012 season gets underway.

Here is an early look at what the starting lineup could look like when Penn State begins the 2012 season against Ohio.

Quarterback

JR Rob Bolden

We know that Rob Bolden has once showed an interest in transferring out of Penn State, and after taking a backseat to Matt McGloin in 2011, that interest may once again be an issue. But consider this a wild guess that after Penn State hires a new head coach that Bolden sticks around.

While Bolden has struggled to develop in his first two seasons, the junior season tends to be one of significant improvement for players in key positions. Let's see if Bolden can make that jump in 2012.

Running Back

JR Silas Redd

There is little doubt that Silas Redd, who will be a junior in 2012, will be the focal point of the offense. Redd has said he has no interest in transferring, so he should once again be back in blue and white, and that will be great news for the offense. Redd has already become one of the top running backs in the Big Ten.

Wide Receivers

SR Justin Brown
SR Devon Smith
SR/JR Shawney Kersey

Penn State will have three starting receiver spots to settle on in 2012, and two spots look like easy picks. Justin Brown and Devon Smith will be the most experienced receivers scheduled to be coming back in 2012. The third spot could be an interesting battle between Shawney Kersey, Brandon Moseby-Felder and perhaps Christian Kuntz. Depending on his status with the team, Curtis Drake could be in the mix as well.

Bill Belton had some opportunities later in the season for Penn State as a freshman in 2011 and could benefit from a strong showing in spring practice and a decent performance in the annual Blue-White Spring Game.

Tight End

JR Kevin Haplea

The tight end position at Penn State should be in the hands of Kevin Haplea, who will be a junior and already has a good amount of playing time under his belt. Haplea played a good amount of time with the nagging injuries to Andrew Szczerba.

Penn State could benefit from having a top tight end take over the position, and Haplea has some work to do to reach that point that Kyle Brady and Andrew Quarless once did. Nate Cadogen could be mixed in and out of the position as well.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle—SR Mike Farrell

Left Guard—SR Mark Arcidiacono

Center—SR Matt Stankiewitch

Right Guard—SR John Urschel

Right Tackle—SR Adam Gress

Next season's offensive line could be a unit led by upperclassmen, depending on who is coming back for a fifth year. Mike Farrell, Matt Stankiewitch and John Urschel all have a fifth year of eligibility left, and none took part in the senior day festivities at the end of the season, suggesting they will be back in 2012.

Quinn Barham's position at left tackle will likely be filled by Mike Farrell, who can be used on both sides of the line. Johnnie Troutman's left guard spot will be filled by Mark Arcidiacono and Chima Okoli's right tackle position will likely be filled by Adam Gress if Farrell is used on the left side.

Defensive Line

Left End—Sean Stanley

Left Tackle—Jordan Hill

Right Tackle—DaQuan Jones

Right End—Pete Massaro

The defensive line will lose a big piece, with Devon Still taking his talents to the NFL, but the defensive line should be in OK shape moving forward in 2012. Jordan Hill will become the next top defensive player in the trenches after already starting in 2011 at left tackle. Sean Stanley will also return to a starting job in his senior season.

So, who fills the shoes of Still and senior end Jack Crawford? Those spots look to be handed off to DaQuan Jones at right tackle and C.J. Olaniyan on the end. Pete Massaro will hope to be back to full strength after missing the 2011 season with an ACL injury. If he is in good shape, the starting job should be his to lose.

Outside Linebacker

SR Gerald Hodges

SR Mike Mauti

Gerald Hodges will return for his senior season at outside linebacker, but the big name looking to return for 2012 will be Mike Mauti, who saw his 2011 season end early on with an ACL injury. Mauti, when healthy, is among the best at the position in the BIg Ten, and if he is ready to go, then he should return to his natural outside linebacker spot.

Middle Linebacker

JR Glenn Carson

As a sophomore, Glenn Carson was thrown in the middle of the defense, proving that he had gained the trust of the coaching staff early on. While he may not have been a dominant linebacker in 2011, he more than proved himself to be worthy of the starting job among a veteran defense. He should return to the position again in 2011.

Although, if Mauti is placed in the middle with concerns about his mobility, then Khairi Fortt could be a factor on the outside instead of Carson.

Secondary

Left Cornerback—SO Adrian Amos

Right Cornerback—SR Stephfon Morris

Free Safety—SR Malcolm WIllis

Hero—SR Stephen Obeng-Agyapong

One of the most veteran units on the team in 2011 will turn to some fresh faces in 2012. Stephfon Morris is the lone starter leading the way in the defensive backfield in 2012, but he will not be the only upperclassman. Stephen Obeng-Agyapong will look to win a starting job in his fourth year in the program, and Malcolm Willis will look to do the same at the safety position.

Adrian Amos, who saw some playing time in 2011 and performed well, should make a strong case for a starting job as a sophomore in 2012.

Special Teams

Punter—SR Anthony Fera

Kicker—SR Anthony Fera, SO Sam Ficken

Anthony Fera proved to be one of the top options when it came to kicking the football, whether it be on kickoffs, field goals or punting. The same might be the case in 2012, although Sam Ficken, who will be a sophomore, could help out the team by assuming some of the primary kicking responsibilities in some fashion.

Kevin McGuire is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook and add him to your Google+ circle.