STATE COLLEGE — Most everything was new again in Happy Valley last season.
John Donovan, though, had to feel just about the same way Galen Hall and Jay Paterno used to long before he arrived on campus.
Offensive coordinator can be a lightning rod in many programs, Penn State’s included. With Penn State struggling against Big Ten competition and 110th in the nation in scoring offense while star quarterback Christian Hackenberg looked lost at times behind a young and rickety offensive line, Donovan absorbed plenty of heat from fans.
As he heads into his second season with the Nittany Lions, though, he believes there’s a better understanding of his offense, at least among the players who will be operating it. Donovan chatted about that confidence, and delved into other topics, in this Q&A.
Q: Is there a greater comfort level in year two than there was a year ago at this time?
A: I think it helps that we’ve been around these guys for a year, and they have some recall as we get into camp. We’re able to start at a different point than what we did this time last year. Once you learn our system and you’re able to think fast, you play fast. I think that, because of that, we’re going to see a difference.
Q: The tight ends were up and down last year, especially as blockers. Do you foresee a changed role for them this year?
A: We’ll find out. It’s about what you do right now. If we can trust you, that you’re going to be doing the right things and not only doing the right things but make the plays or make the blocks or whatever, then you’re going to play. ... If you can do your job and do it well, you’ll play. If you can’t, we’ll find somebody else.
Q: James Franklin said he has seen, in the past, a big difference from year one to year two in your system with the wideouts. Have you seen that, too? Are there any theories as to why that’s the case?
A: I can’t specifically speak for other people’s systems necessarily, but I do know this: I know the guys that have played in this system and have gone on to the next level, have been in a room with somebody else that say, you know what, this guy doesn’t have a clue. So sometimes, it takes a little time. We put a lot on our guys, but once you know what you’re doing and you can think fast and operate in it, it helps. Sometimes it takes a little time. We’ll find that out. I think we’ve got a chance to do some things this year.
Q: Why did Christian Hackenberg have so many ups and downs last year?
A: We looked at the tape, and across the board, guys played good and bad. We got better at the end of the year. We had time going into the bowl game to maybe look at some things that we did well throughout the year. We were playing with a lot of new guys. I think him, along with everybody else, are going to be able to draw from the experiences they have had. But ultimately, it’s about what you do this year. What he’s going to do this year will determine how good he’ll be.
Q: You had a really good class of offensive linemen come in with the class of 2014, and they didn’t play. You’ll have them available this year, if you want. What kind of difference can those guys make?
A: I think it’s nice to know up front that those linemen usually take some time to develop. Last year, we had a bunch of guys that were redshirting, and they weren’t even available. They’re not even in the picture as far as playing, at that point. The fact that they’ve been around here a year and that they at least provide some depth. They might ultimately progress into playing a lot. But even if they can just spell (a starter) or do something along those lines, that’s a big help. That’s an area that will be a little different for us this year.