Penn State's rebuilding secondary has already suffered a potentially serious setback with cornerback A.J. Wallace pulling a hamstring during spring workouts.
Fortunately, at least, it appears that receiver Chaz Powell has escaped a significant injury.
But let's start with the defense.
The Nittany Lions lost all four starters from last year's secondary and are counting on seniors like Wallace and William Penn's Knowledge Timmons to help bring along several underclassmen.
Wallace, also a dangerous kick returner, was held back last year because of a hamstring injury.
"I'm very concerned about it," Paterno said of his young cornerbacks and safeties. "We've got a long, long way to go to be a good secondary. We're not even close."
The expected starting lineup in spring did feature Wallace and Timmons at the corners and sophomore Drew Astorino and a choice between redshirt sophomores Andrew Daily and Nick Sukay at the safety positions.
The issues?
Timmons has mostly been a special teams player, Daily is a converted linebacker and Sukay's career has been washed out so far with injuries.
The wildcard is sophomore D'Anton Lynn, who may be able to play either position. He is regarded highly and could push for a starting spot sooner rather than later.
"I think we'll be adequate" by the season-opener on Sept. 5 against Akron. "Whether we'll be really good or not is up for grabs."
Meanwhile, on offense, it was rumored about on the Internet that Powell, a Susquehannock High grad and the apparent replacement for receiver/runner Derrick Williams, was injured on Tuesday. Reports hinted at a possible serious ankle problem.
However, Paterno dismissed the notion during a brief teleconference on Tuesday afternoon.
"He practiced all day (on Tuesday)," Paterno said. "He may have gotten knocked down and didn't like getting knocked down, I guess.
"You guys hear too many stories in the dorms. No, he's fine."
Later, Powell chuckled when reached by phone and asked about his ankle.
He said he will be fine.
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