Lions' QB race reportedly down to three

[Rush]

Penn State's quarterback derby has been reduced to three.

According to multiple media reports Wednesday, Penn State has informed freshman quarterback Paul Jones that he will redshirt this fall. Jones, an early enrollee who tossed two touchdown passes in the Blue-White Game in April, reportedly had been receiving fewer reps than the other three candidates in practice.

Sophomores Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin continue to compete for the starting job alongside true freshman Robert Bolden, who has been generating a ton of buzz with his play in camp. Unlike Jones, Bolden didn't go through spring practice with the Lions, but he's making up for it in camp and remains a serious contender in the race.

Bolden is a decorated recruit with plenty of physical gifts and a big frame at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds.

This is very interesting news, indeed.

There are some who contend that Joe Paterno won't start a true freshman at quarterback, even though neither Newsome nor McGloin can be characterized as grizzled vets. But if the talented Bolden is not only matching Newsome and McGloin, but outshining them in practice, don't you have to pull the trigger?

I haven't had a chance to review Penn State's practice on the Big Ten Network but will do so later. Check back for a full report this afternoon.

More...