Paterno tabs true freshman Bolden to start opener vs. Youngstown State

Penn State coach Joe Paterno has named true-freshman Robert Bolden (Orchard Lake, Mich.) as the Nittany Lions’ game one starter Saturday when Penn State takes on Youngstown State in a 12:00 p.m. kickoff at Beaver Stadium. Paterno expects multiple quarterbacks to see action in the game that will air live on the Big Ten Network.

“Based on what we have seen to this point, Bolden has a slight edge right now, but we are confident all three quarterbacks are ready to go and hope to give them an opportunity to play until we settle on the one that gives us the best chance to win,” Paterno said.

Paterno said his three young quarterbacks: Bolden, sophomore Matt McGloin (Scranton, Pa.) and sophomore Kevin Newsome (Portsmouth, Va.), would be listed 1A, 1B and 1C on the depth chart at this point and all still have the opportunity to earn the starting nod on a regular basis.

Bolden, who will be the first true-freshman quarterback to start a game at Penn State since Wally Richardson took the field against Cincinnati in 1992--and the first ever to start the season-opener since Paterno took over as head coach--was a four-star recruit out of St. Mary’s Prep and was ranked the fourth best quarterback in the nation by ESPNcom and the second-best dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com. The 6-3, 221-pounder completed 72-of-152 passes for 1,013 yards and seven touchdowns while running for 535 yards and nine scores in a senior campaign in which he led St. Mary’s to the state finals. He totaled more than 2,000 yards passing and 14 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,000 yards and 16 scores in his final two high school seasons.

Paterno's 45th squad opens Penn State's 124th season on Saturday, hosting Youngstown State at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.GoPSUsports.com or by calling 814-865-5555 weekdays from 10 a.m-6 p.m. The game will air on Big Ten Network, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.

Penn State Football Eve presented by HappyValley.com launches the season on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7:45 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Paterno and the Nittany Lion team will be in attendance with the legendary coach addressing the crowd followed by highlight videos and fireworks. The event and parking are free.