Penn State QB race starts Monday, though O'Brien says he won't name starter by end of spring

The quarterback race at Penn State begins Monday, though coach Bill O'Brien says he won't name a starter by the time spring practice ends in a month.

O'Brien said Sunday that Steven Bench and Tyler Fergson will split the reps in spring ball. They'll be evaluated at spring's end, though O'Brien doesn't expect to settle on a starter until during training camp in August.

The Nittany Lions are looking for a replacement for record-setting starter Matt McGloin. The senior helped guide Penn State to a better-than-expected 8-4 record in his one and only season with O'Brien.

Bench served as McGloin's backup as a freshman last season but played sparingly. Ferguson is a junior college transfer from California.

Prized recruit Christian Hackenberg also arrives at Penn State this summer.