There was again uncertainty about the head coach, some about the defensive coordinator and even some about one of the quarterbacks.

But just about everyone is coming back at Penn State this spring.

Joe Paterno will return as head coach for his 46th season after a disappointing 7-6 campaign that included four 20-point losses. His future beyond that remains cloudy, but the Nittany Lions managed to land a solid if small recruiting class -- heavy on offensive and defensive linemen -- even with those clouds.

Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley was a finalist for the head coaching vacancy at Pittsburgh but will return to lead Penn State's defense after that job went to former Tulsa coach Todd Graham. Also back, at least for the time being, is sophomore quarterback Rob Bolden, who told Paterno the day after the Outback Bowl that he wanted to transfer. The coach decided not to sign his scholarship release, though, and Bolden decided to stay for the spring semester.

Banking on linebackers Michael Mauti, Nate Stupar and Gerald Hodges, defensive lineman Devon Still and cornerback D'Anton Lynn, the Nittany Lions will look to rebuild a defense that was unusually soft last season. The offense could have a different look depending on whether Bolden, Matt McGloin or Paul Jones winds up under center and on who replaces three-year starting tailback Evan Royster.

TOP OF THE CLASS

DE/DT Anthony Zettel (Ogemaw Heights, West Branch, Mich.) -- The Nittany Lions knew it would be difficult to get him out of Michigan, but in Zettel they get an athletic defensive lineman who could wind up as an end or a tackle. If he puts on some weight early, he might be able to make an impact on a defensive line suddenly in need of playmakers.

WR Bill Belton (Winslow Township, Atco, N.J.) -- Small (5-foot-9) but shifty, Belton should fit nicely into the slot receiver position, where the Nittany Lions like to get their best athletes in space.

DE Shawn Oakman (Penn Wood, Lansdowne, Pa.) -- Oakman is raw but has a tremendous frame (6-foot-8) and loads of potential. After a couple years under defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who sends a player to the NFL almost each season, Oakman could be a good one.

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