Optimistic O'Brien opens Penn State spring practice as quarterback questions mount
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Penn State has kicked off spring practice indoors after a late-winter snowstorm chased the Nittany Lions off their outdoor practice fields.
The quarterback race is front and center. Coach Bill O'Brien says he won't decide on a replacement for record-setting senior Matt McGloin until sometime during preseason camp.
So consider the spring an early audition for returning backup Steven Bench and junior-college transfer Tyler Ferguson.
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Prized freshman recruit Christian Hackenberg is scheduled to join them this summer. O'Brien said Monday that Hackenberg should "certainly be in the mix."
In fact, O'Brien said everyone will have a chance to compete at all positions.
It's in part due to necessity. Penn State needs to replenish depth, including at linebacker, while also dealing with scholarship limitations.