The Lions' Pride

Notes from Matt McGloin's conference call:

On how much progress offense has made since camp opened

"I think we've made a ton of progress from the spring. We took a major step forward in camp in terms of the playbook and we're getting more comfortable with what we're doing."

On team's role in uniting community

"We definitely have a chance to make history at Penn State, have a great opportunity to bring this university back from the bottom, bring Penn State nation back together."

On his comfort level with offense compared to previous years

"I'm definitely light years ahead of where I was in terms of quarterback and being a leader as well. We're really happy with the progress that we've made and hopefully ready to show everybody how far we've come.

On differences between being a head coach and assistant coach in O'Brien and growth he's seen from him

"He's definitely getting comfortable with the position he's in. You can just tell he loves coaching the game of football. Obviously as a head coach he's had a lot of other responsibilities to take care of and I think he's done a great job of that."

Did he watch the Patriots offense before and what are you looking forward most to

"Obviously the things the Patriots have done in the past you're aware of, it's not like they're any other team you see. They rely so much on the quarterback to get the team in the right play. Coach O'Brien puts a lot of trust in the quarterback. It's going to be a very exciting and emotional day come Sept. 1. We're getting pretty anxious here."

Are you especially amped for this season and how has the chemistry been?

"I'm more excited for Sept. 1 than any one I've had before. Being the game one starter is different from what I've had in the past, definitely going to be an emotional ride. … I think we've become more of a close-knit group, because of what's happened it's forced us to come closer together as a team."

Of all the changes since January, which are you excited about the most?

"I'm just excited to get back out and start playing football again. That's all we want to do. We don't want to pay attention to what's been going on outside. We're one team we're one family and we just want to start playing football again."

On progress wide receivers have made

"Allen Robinson has made tremendous strides. He's becoming a topnotch football player in my opinion. We've got older guys who haven't played a lot but they have great leadership qualities and they're helping the younger guys out a lot. We have a lot of talent."

What does it mean to be the starting QB at Penn State at this time in history?

"Any time you're the starting QB at Penn State you'll have pressure on you, but now people will be looking at what type of person you are. Whatever happens I want to stay loyal to the program. The senior class has the opportunity to kind of rebuild this program. We want to play our part and keep this program together and keep it great and make it better."

Why do you feel responsible to do something beyond playing football?

"This is kind of a football town, you could call it. We're going to prepare harder than ever, play harder than ever,

On how much he's changed the play at the line and how many options he has there:

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you guys what our offense is like, but the quarterback does have the ability to get into right plays. We don't want to run a bad play ever. It took a lot of time and film work to get familiar with the language and the play calls, to get familiar with what the defense is doing. We don't need to be our best today, we need to be our best Sept. 1."

Some other young players than Robinson who have impressed in camp

"Billy Belton's having a great camp for us. Guys like Eugene Lewis and Trevor Williams have been making plays for us. They want to learn, they're always asking questions. Our communication has been great with them."

How has pass protection been

"It's been tremendous. Led by Stankiewitch up front. This offensive line has come a very long way. We've got a lot of great football players. A lot of guys are battling for their position."

Who has been most impressive guest speaker?

"Rick Slater, Navy SEAL who played in late 90s. Gave a tremendous speech to motivate us about what we can accomplish this year and what is riding on this season. A lot of other guys have been great as well."

How have defensive backs looked, especially corners?

"They're doing a great job. It's getting tougher and tougher every day throwing on those guys. Stephon Morris and Adrian Amos are doing a great job with those guys in the secondary. It's definitely not easy throwing on a daily basis on those guys."

What kind of feedback are you getting from other students about starting up a football season?

"It's definitely a positive attitude. Everybody's very optimistic. Students couldn't be more proud of what we're doing here and we couldn't be more proud of them. Their support has been tremendous to us and their support means the world to us."

Outside of Robinson, who has been most improved receiver?

"So many guys … Shawney Kersey, Alex Kenney, Trevor Williams. We have four or five tight ends who are going to play for us this year. We have a lot of weapons in our receiving corps. It's dangerous when I get comfortable with the wideouts and tight ends. I know what they're thinking every day."