Wendy Laurent has always been a bit of a late bloomer.

"I started getting recruited heavier by DI schools a little later," Penn State's junior center said Tuesday. "It was frustrating at times, but I just kept working and waiting for my chance."

Laurent has taken the same approach to his college career. He made three starts at center last season as the Nittany Lions reshuffled their line due to injuries, then returned to the starting lineup this past Saturday at Maryland, with Angelo Mangiro sliding to left guard.

With Mangiro, the team's most experienced lineman, at center and Brendan Mahon, Brian Gaia and Derek Dowrey splitting the bulk of the reps at the guard spots coming into the season, Laurent faced an uphill battle for playing time. But he turned the heads of the coaches and his teammates with a solid camp.

"Wendy worked hard in the weight room, worked hard on the field with some of the extra training we were doing and prepared like he wanted to go in and play," Mangiro said. "I'm really proud of him for the work he's put in."

Laurent started at center against Indiana for an injured Mangiro but Saturday was the first time this season he earned the starting spot on his own merits, and caused the shuffling rather than being the next man up.

"It's something I've worked hard for," he said, "and to finally reach that goal, it feels good."