In the spring of 2008, Stephfon Green was the hot name at Penn State.
His blazing speed and nifty moves had many calling him a future superstar for the Nittany Lions. But Green never truly panned out, serving as a backup running back for the next three seasons. After putting up nice numbers as a freshman -- 578 rush yards, four touchdowns -- his production dipped in each of the past two seasons. Injuries certainly played a role, but Green also struggled to take steps in his development.
Now Green's days in State College could be over. Coach Joe Paterno said the senior hasn't been practicing with the team in camp and likely won't return this fall because of disciplinary issues. Green, expected to compete for a starting job this month, is no longer listed on the Lions' roster.
"He's had some problems with me," coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday. "I doubt he'll be back. ... I think it's best for him and the team if he steps away for a while."
Sophomore Silas Redd and junior Brandon Beachum have been getting most of the reps at running back in camp. Redd leapfrogged Green during an impressive freshman season in 2010, while Beachum adds a power back to the mix after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
Redd and Beachum provide a nice mix of speed and power, and while Green's experience could have come in handy, he might not have been a major part of the plan on offense.