Bowman making good impression

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Troubled Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman appears to be making a good impression this offseason with his head coach.

Joe Paterno said Thursday that Bowman is doing fine, and has become a leader during the offseason workout program.

Bowman sat out the spring game after admitting in court in April to smoking marijuana, a violation of his probation. Bowman was on probation after pleading guilty in 2008 to disorderly conduct in connection with a campus fight.

Bowman led the Nittany Lions with 106 tackles last season. Paterno appears satisfied with how the linebacker has handled himself of late.

"Bowman will be fine. ... He's a guy if you come to workouts who is always working hard, always up front," linebacker and captain Sean Lee said. "I think he'll be ready to go come this season."

Paterno spoke to reporters Thursday after spending about 15 minutes at a Penn State football fantasy camp. He said the team is in good shape on the injury front, with key players such as tailback Stephfon Green (right ankle) and defensive end Jerome Hayes (left knee) doing OK.

Paterno struck a familiar tone in supporting Big Ten expansion to 12 teams -- an oft-asked question of the 82-year-old Hall of Famer this offseason.

As he did during a meeting of Big Ten coaches last month, Paterno also deferred to conference commissioner Jim Delany as the ultimate arbiter for expansion.

"In all fairness, I said something without having all the answers. The problems it would cause with the schedule and things," Paterno said. "Jim Delany has taken it upon himself to say, 'Hey, let me look into it.' He's looking into it. Whatever Jim comes up with will be good for the conference."

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