Shortly after the final whistle blew at the 2011 Outback Bowl -- and for Urban Meyer‘s coaching career at Florida -- the future of Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden became hazy.
Bolden, who watched then-starter Matt McGloin toss five interceptions in the 37-24 loss, asked to be released from his scholarship on Jan. 3rd. The request was denied by Joe Paterno the next day, kick-starting months of uncertainty over whether the highly-touted freshman would be in Happy Valley when Penn State started the 2011 season.
That speculation seemed to reach its conclusion last month when it was reported that Bolden was enrolled in summer classes at PSU. Now entrenched in summer workouts and classes, Bolden looks like he’s content with finishing his college career with the Nittany Lions.
At least for now anyway.
“Everything’s cool,” Bolden said in a video interview with the Patriot-News. “I’m taking classes. I got two classes that I’m doing pretty good in. Getting better with my teammates and we’re talking a lot more. I’m expecting great things.”
Last year, Penn State expected great things out of Bolden. Named the first-string QB just days before opening up against Youngstown State, Bolden started seven games before being sidelined with a concussion against Minnesota.
McGloin took over the Penn State offense and Bolden never really regained his footing with the first team.
That doesn’t seem to be bother Bolden now as he vies for the starting job once again this fall.
“Mentally I’m a lot better. Being in that film room... It helps a lot,” Bolden said. “I told [the coaches] I’ll come back and do the same thing I did last year as far as competing and everything.
“Ultimately I have to go to school wherever I choose and it’s going to be a decision that I have to live with.”
Even if it means trying to win back the starting job.
“I’m not really concerned with that. It doesn’t bother me when he [Paterno] will name a guy. As long as I’m doing what I have to do,” Bolden explained. “Whenever they want to tell me, I’ll be ready.”
(Thanks again to the Patriot-News for the video)