STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Prized incoming freshman Christian Hackenberg is officially in the Penn State quarterback derby before ever taking a snap.
The post-spring depth chart released Thursday listed Hackenberg and junior college transfer Tyler Ferguson, a sophomore, as the top two candidates to take over the starting job left vacated following the graduation of Matt McGloin.
Coach Bill O'Brien had given every indication in spring practice that Hackenberg would get a chance to compete for the job when preseason camp opens in August.
Ferguson is described in his bio as "an accurate passer with good pocket awareness and the ability to tuck the ball and run when he needs to." Hackeberg's bio lists him as possessing "superb arm strength and mobility."
But neither player has ever faced a Big Ten defense.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.