More News

First it was at Linganore High. Now it's at Penn State. His schedule hasn't changed, but Lucian—a redshirt senior has—both on the field and off.

The introductory sentence to Lucian's official Nittany Lions' online bio reads, "Like some of his teammates, Mike Lucian has gained some versatility during his collegiate career by getting experience at another position."

Initially a defensive lineman, Lucian was reassigned to the offensive line midway through the 2006 campaign. He saw action in 11 contests last season, starting seven times at right guard and once at left. During spring practice he was moved again, this time to center, where he will compete with incumbent snapper A.Q. Shipley.

"I would say my career here has been a roller coaster," said Lucien, a 6 foot 2, 290-pounder. "I've been moved around several times. I played a decent amount as a redshirt freshman and played in the Orange Bowl. I didn't play much as a sophomore then started a good amount last season."

Defecting from one side of the ball to another, and then from position to position hasn't always been easy. It takes time to hone each specific skill set. There's a learning curve and on occasion Lucian's playing time has suffered.

But he doesn't complain. He's the consummate teammate and an invaluable contributor to the Nittany Lions' cause. Whatever role Penn State's coaching staff asks him to fulfill he will, and never begrudgingly.

"You want to get on the field and you want to play but sometimes it's just not going to happen," Lucian said. "They might not need you, but you do what you can to help the team."

College has certainly been an education for Lucian, who will receive a degree in kinesiology this December. Both academics and athletics have taught him more than he ever imagined.

"The biggest things I've learned don't necessarily concern football or my skills, which I've improve on," he said.

"It's mental things, especially with me being bounced around so much. You have to learn how to take criticism and humiliation sometimes."

Maybe his career hasn't gone as planned, but Lucian harbors no regrets. He's found success both on and off the field.

His teammates are like family and he says there's no better place to spend a Saturday afternoon that at Beaver Stadium.

One constant for Lucian has been the mentality of his coaches. He says that Linganore's Rich Conner and Penn State's Joe Paterno possess similar personalities and philosophies. Both are strong- willed, fervently driven and very detail-oriented.

Next August, Lucian hopes to find himself in a National Football League camp. Regardless if he does or doesn't, he is prepared for whatever changes lie ahead.