Penn State is looking to have two key players on the offense back and ready to go for the start of training camp on August 5. Bill O’Brien said Wednesday at Big Ten Media Day in Chicago he anticipates having tight end Kyle Carter and 1,000-yard rusher Zach Zwinak available and ready to participate in training camp in a couple of weeks.
“Yes, I do, I anticipate both guys will be back for training camp,” O’Brien said during his mini press conference with the assemble Big Ten media. “Kyle Carter obviously injured his wrist against Nebraska, so he’s had a little bit more time to heal.”
Carter was lost for the short remainder of the 2012 season when he injured his wrist in a November game at Nebraska. Carter was the team’s second leading receiver behind receiver Allen Robinson. As a freshman, Carter was responsible for 453 receiving yards and two touchdowns as Penn State opened up the offense to take advantage of multiple tight ends. He figures to be a contributor once again in 2013.
“Zach [was injured] in the blue/white game, so he hasn’t had as much time,” O’Brien said, referring to Zwinak’s injury early in the annual spring football game in April. “So you’d probably say Kyle a little bit ahead of Zach in that department.”
Like Carter, Zwinak also injured his wrist. Last season saw Zwinak move up the depth chart from third to starter and he rushed for 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. He is expected to start the season as the starting running back, while redshirt freshman Akeel Lynch could also chip in with the running game along with Bill Belton. O’Brien said Zwinak may be scaled back in contact drills during camp, at least at the start. Carter should be prepared for contact much earlier, if not from the start of camp.
The Reading Eagle’s Rich Scarcella reports O’Brien has confirmed Pat Zerbe will enter camp as Penn States starting fullback, taking over for Michael Zordich.
“Pat’s had a really good summer,” O’Brien said, according to Scarcella. “He’s had a really good summer. He stopped by the office the other day and looks to be in really good shape. Hopefully he can come in there and play well for us.”
Kevin McGuire is the managing editor of Nittany Lions Den. Follow McGuire on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.
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