It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago that former four-star quarterback prospect Rob Bolden had publicly stated his desire to leave Penn State and pursue other football options.
Head coach Joe Paterno wasn’t about to let this one get away, and six months later, Bolden’s attitude has completely taken a 180 degree turn. The sophomore had a very up and down freshman campaign, one that resulted in him riding the bench in Penn State’s loss to Florida in January.
Bolden seemed fed up, but Frank Bodani of the York Daily Report got Bolden to open up on his progress this offseason:
“I’m totally different,” said Bolden, who became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener under Joe Paterno last September. "I felt like I was good coming out of high school and right now I feel like I have an opportunity.
“I’m watching film and getting better with those things. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot smarter. I feel like my arm’s a lot stronger. I’m a completely different guy from last year.”
The Nittany Lions are going to need Bolden to emerge as the leader of this team if they are going to contend for the Big Ten title any time soon. With a promising young running back in Silas Redd taking over the reins from school legend Evan Royster, this could be the year of the sophomore backfield at Penn State.
Bolden is taking advantage of his first full offseason as a member of this program. Not only is he watching film, he is dissecting it, trying to get better every day:
“I’m in the film room just about every day. I’ve watched every game from last year three or four times, trying to pick everybody’s brain so I can be better in the future.”
Bolden feels like he can lead the Nittany Lions this season, and perhaps he’s right. His development this offseason could be absolutely key to their season.