It is that time of year again. Players fear the call from the coach to see him in his office. ???? ??? ???? ????? Nobody is safe; some big name surprises always happen in the final cut-down. ????? ???? ???????? We’ll take a look here at how Penn Staters have done as the NFL season is about to begin.

Last season’s Nittany Lion starting quarterback Daryll Clark, as you might already know, was given a tryout with the Redskins, but they weren’t interested. He has since signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

The unkindest cuts of all happen at the end of NFL pre-season. For some former Nittany Lions aspiring to play on Sunday (or to continue to play on Sunday), this week has been either the end of the road or a job on the scout team. For a couple of veterans there is renewed hope, as they were picked up and signed off the waiver wire.

• Anthony Scirrotta (Rookie, Eagles)
• Michael Robinson (6th year, SF) – picked up by Seahawks
• Sean McHugh (8th year, Steelers)
• Scott Paxson (3rd year, Steelers)
• Lydell Sargeant (R, Bills)
• Tim Shaw (4th year, Bears) – picked up by Titans
• Jordan Norwood (2nd year, Eagles) – Browns’ practice squad
• A.Q. Shipley (2nd year, Eagles) – practice squad
• Dennis Landolt (R, Giants)
• Jay Alford (5th year, Giants) – picked up by Raiders
• Bobby Engram (16th year, Browns)
• Rich Ornberger (3rd year, Pats) – practice squad

Bobby Engram, who was part of the greatest offense to ever play at Penn State, bows out with 15 NFL years under his belt. Michael Robinson and Tim Shaw can breathe easily for a while.

So, who does that leave on active NFL rosters? ???? ????? ?? ??????? Here you go:

• Anthony Adams (9th year, Bears)
• NaVorro Bowman (R, 49ers)
• Levi Brown (5th year, Cardinals)
• Deon Butler (3rd year, Seahawks)
• Kerry Collins (17th year, Titans)
• Dan Connor (4th year, Panthers)
• John Gilmore (10th year, Bucs)
• Robbie Gould (7th year, Bears)
• Tamba Hali (6th year, Chiefs)
• Josh Hull (R, Rams)
• Bryant Johnson (9th year, Lions)
• Larry Johnson (9th year, Redskins)
• Ed Johnson (3rd year, Panthers)
• Jeremy Kapinos (2nd year, Packers)
• Jimmy Kennedy (9th year, Vikings)
• Justin King (4th year, Rams)
• Sean Lee (R, Cowboys)
• Aaron Maybin (3rd year, Bills)
• Kareem McKenzie (11th year, Giants)
• Jared Odrick (R, Dolphins)
• Paul Posluszny (5th year, Bills)
• Andrew Quarless (R, Packers)
• Tyler Reed (2nd year, Bears)
• Michael Robinson (6th year, Seahawks)
• Bryan Scott (9th year, Bills)
• Tim Shaw (4th year, Titans)
• Mickey Shuler (R, Vikings)
• Cameron Wake (3rd year, Dolphins)
• Derrick Williams (3rd year, Lions)

OK, now you are asking how PSU stacks up against other Big Ten schools with respect to players presently active in the NFL. I have the answer for you:

• Ohio State 39
• Michigan 35
• Iowa 33
• Penn State 29
• Nebraska 28*
• Purdue 23
• Michigan State 22
• Illinois 21
• Wisconsin 20
• Northwestern 14
• Minnesota 9
• Indiana 6

*Enters conference in 2011.