Matt McGloin

Bill O'Brien and his staff deserve every bit of the credit they've received for guiding Penn State to a remarkably successful season on the field despite the troubling distractions that plagued the program off of it. In taking command of the huddle, former walk-on Matt McGloin certainly deserves all of the credit he's gained, as well. McGloin entered his senior campaign having started 10 games over his career -- five in 2010 and five more in 2011 -- each time sparking the Nittany Lions to strong finishes after poor starts. Though he was the starting quarterback for all 12 games this time time around, McGloin once again demonstrated the guts, decision-making and underrated game to lead the Nittany Lions (8-4, including 6-2 in the conference play) to success. In his first season in O'Brien's offense, McGloin led the Big Ten with 3,266 passing yards while completing 60.5% of his passes. He threw for 24 touchdowns, ran for another five and only threw five interceptions all season long. Short, slight and possessing less than ideal arm strength, McGloin may not hear his name called out on draft day. The honorable mention All-Big Ten pick and recipient of the Burlsworth Trophy (given annually to the nation's top player who began his career as a walk-on), has proven doubters wrong before.

strengths

Cerebral passer. Reads defenses quickly. Has the quick release and enough accuracy in the short to intermediate levels to pick apart his opponents. Good feel in the pocket. Slides well to avoid pass rush and keeps his eyes downfield. Good touch to place ball over linebackers and under safeties. Shows surprising zip on in-cutting routes. Experienced taking snaps out of shotgun, from under center. Good footwork and delivery of the ball.

compares to

Pat Devlin, QB, Miami Dolphins

weaknesses

Protected by scheme. Short, slim (especially in his lower body) and lacks the arm strength to be successful in most systems. Sets up quickly but struggles to drive the ball on deeper routes -- and was rarely asked to make these throws in 2012. Can elude pressure but has just average accuracy on the move, consistently leaving passes a bit short when he isn't stepping into them.

McGloin was a team captain for Coach Mike DeAntona at West Scranton HS. As the starting quarterback, he led his team to two Class AAA district titles and a league title. McGloin was named all-conference, all-region, all-state and to the WNEP-TV 16 Dream Team. A three-year starter, he threw for 5,485 career yards with 58 touchdowns. As a senior, he threw for 2,445 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Scranton Times-Tribune named McGloin its 2007-08 Athlete-of-the-Year and Athlete-of-the-Week three times during his prep career. A talented athlete, McGloin scored more than 1,300 career points in basketball and was a team captain. He earned all-conference accolades on the hardwood and in baseball.

Full name is Matthew James McGloin. His parents are Paul and Cathy McGloin. He has two older brothers, Paul and John. John played baseball at Lehigh University. McGloin and freshman lineman Eric Shrive were prep teammates. In his free time, McGloin enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends. He is a journalism major. Born December 2, 1989 in Scranton, Pa.