STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Status quo is the welcome norm these days for Penn State football. The Nittany Lions have a year's experience with coach Bill O'Brien's expectation level and offseason workout program. O'Brien took over January 2012 but wasn't in Happy Valley full time for another five weeks as he finished up as New England Patriots offensive coordinator. Players say there's an added comfort level with O'Brien. Last year's better-than-expected 8-4 record is a confidence booster, too. Strength coach Craig Fitzgerald says the team can now build off the basics introduced last year in the revamped offseason conditioning program. Receiver Allen Robinson, a breakout star in 2012 with 11 touchdown catches, has said his goal is adding 10 pounds of muscle to help take the pounding of making catches over the middle.
Focused Penn State finds offseason comfort level
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FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2012, file photo, Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) out runs Temple defensive back Zamel Johnson (7) after a catching a pass for a first quarter touchdown during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. Robinson is growing familiar with coach Bill O'Brien's expectations. And like other veteran players, he's helping the team's new arrivals get used to the offseason weight program. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
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FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2012, file photo, Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) talks with head coach Bill O'Brien during a time out in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. Robinson is growing familiar with O'Brien's expectations. And like other veteran players, he's helping the team's new arrivals get used to the offseason weight program. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
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Penn State offensive lineman Matt Stankiewitch goes through a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
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