In his time as a Nittany Lion, Anthony Morelli has been loved and hated by fans and alumni.
But yesterday at Pro Day, Morelli faced his most important critics and the ultimate arbiters of his future. Before a gang of scouts at a closed-door workout, Morelli performed a number of drills with the hopes of improving his NFL draft stock. He said he accomplished that goal in his workout.
"All the coaches in there were talking about, 'You have all the tools; we've just got to get you in camp and work with you and the sky's the limit,' " Anthony Morelli said once he got outside Holuba Hall.
Most scouts refused to speak with reporters as they left Pro Day, so Morelli's statistics at the combine were unavailable. Morelli said he ran a 4.9 40-yard dash and improved his vertical leap and in the three-cone drill.
But, like with most players, Morelli's college career might be the best indicator for his professional prospects. He was undoubtedly physically gifted but there have been questions about his decision-making and leadership abilities.
Morelli became the first Penn State quarterback to throw for 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons and shined in games against Florida International and Wisconsin. But he was also at the crux of losses to Michigan and Illinois, perhaps his worst stretch as Penn State's starter. He gave away a costly fumble against the Wolverines and then threw three interceptions and also had a fumble at Illinois.
Still, teams may consider pursuing him.
"Anthony had an up-and-down season, inconsistent," said one AFC scout who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "But that's another position you can bring guys in and develop him. I think he's one of those guys, probably a mid-round guy, that you bring them in let them sit and let him go out, see what happens."
Teams may bank on Morelli's athletic ability, hoping to mold him once he enters the professional organization. He came to Penn State with all the pomp that typically accompanies a top-rated prospect and his strong arm has long been a topic of discussion.
The hope for Morelli now is to get drafted and go to work.
"I just want to get into camp because I feel I can play with anybody," he said. "Just want to get in there and throw the ball around. Definitely can throw the ball with anybody, it's just a matter of getting my foot in the door."
Hahn makes return
Matt Hahn, the former Penn State fullback only four-and-a-half months removed from knee surgery, attended Pro Day but only participated in the bench press and the Wonderlic Personnel Test, a 50-question intelligence and problem-solving examination.
Hahn said he showed up yesterday to speak with scouts and executives in attendance. He initially considered running in the 40-yard dash, but said he decided against it because he's not fully recovered from the right anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL) he suffered Oct. 20 against Indiana.
"I decided I want to run my best time," Hahn said, "because a couple of years down the road this could be something that follows me, this time."
Hahn, who has been working out daily, said he hopes to be up to speed in a few weeks and is confident he will be ready to enter a pro mini-camp.
"Hopefully some teams will show some interest and give me a chance," Hahn said.
Clark getting ready
Spring practice is only about a week away, but for Daryll Clark it can't come soon enough.
"This is a dream," said Clark, who was in attendance but did not participate in Pro Day. "Once I signed on the dotted line to become a Penn State player, the dream is to finally get a chance to run the show."
Clark, who has cleared up academic issues and will have junior-year eligibility next fall, and rising sophomore Pat Devlin will likely be in competition for the starting quarterback role.
While it is unclear who the coaching staff favors, it would appear, by the way Clark talks, acts and the way he has seen in-game action, that he is the favorite to assume the starting role. Clark rotated in regularly at the quarterback spot at the Alamo Bowl, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Clark emphasized that the competition will be stiff and that "it's really not guaranteed" he will assume the starting role.
"I look forward to the challenge," Clark said.
Hayes rehabbing
Jerome Hayes, still on the mend following a torn right ACL, will not play in this April's Blue-White game but said he should be back to 100 percent next fall.
Hayes became a critical member to the Lions defensive line but missed nearly half of the season after suffering the injury Oct. 13 against Wisconsin. He anticipates remaining on the defensive line next year and does not think he will move back to linebacker, where he played in high school and during his freshman year at Penn State.
"That's my home last year," Hayes said of the defensive line. "It's a great position. The ball's hiked, you go get the ball. I love it."
For the rest of this article please check out www.collegian.psu.edu
