Penn State Football – Kline Out, Golden To DB

Spring practice officially kicks off on Monday for Penn State, but the guys over at ESPN.com’s Big 10 Blog caught up with Bill O’Brien, and shared a little injury and position change news.  Instead of my ramblings on it, we’ll let them tell you. First, the injury update:

Caught up with Penn State coach Bill O’Brien for a Q&A. Lions will be without LB Ben Kline this spring following shoulder surgery …

— Rittenberg/Bennett (@ESPN_BigTen) March 15, 2013

… O’Brien expects Nyeem Wartman to fill that third top linebacker spot this spring (practice opens Monday). Carson and Hull pegged to start — Rittenberg/Bennett (@ESPN_BigTen) March 15, 2013

Not good news for Ben Kline, who is someone I expect to play a key role this season, as well as down the road. More reps and experience in Spring would have been key for him. With that said, this is his 3rd year in the program, and the staff, specifically Ron Vanderlinden, knows what he’s capable of. The good side of this is of course Nyeem Wartman’s return. We saw a brief glimpse of his ability last season, blocking a punt in the opener vs. Ohio, but he was soon sidelined with an injury of his own, that kept him out for the year. He should be eligible for a medical redshirt, and have 4 years remaining. With one less man in the rotation, Nyeem should benefit greatly from a little more work this spring. As for the position change

Two position changes for PSU, which you likely know. Garry Gilliam from TE to OT and Malik Golden from WR to DB. Gilliam can play RT or LT

— Rittenberg/Bennett (@ESPN_BigTen) March 15, 2013

Gilliam’s was known, and while Golden’s move was talked about, nothing was ever made official. Malik was a highly regarded member of the class of 2012, and was actually listed as an athlete by Rivals, before settling in at WR We’ve harped on the defensive backfield depth forever, so adding another piece seems logical. Depth at receiver appears to be in good shape going forward as well, freeing up Golden to make the switch.

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