He was always the man in the middle. The middle son. The middle linebacker. The fullback in-between two brothers who were outstanding tailbacks. Which was all right with him. Paul Suhey never really sought the limelight. He was happy enough just sharing the triumphs of older brother, Larry, and young brother, Matt.

Besides, he was doing all right in his own way, working his way up the depth chart, first at State College and later at Penn State. Eventually he assumed a starter's role as a senior and was also selected co-captain of Penn State's unbeaten 1978 squad that lost to Alabama, 14-7, in that memorable 1979 Sugar Bowl.

"Paul Suhey was one of those guys who played better than he should have, physically," Joe Paterno once said. "He ran a 5-flat, maybe a 4.9 40. But I'll never forget his dad (Steve) saying to me when Paul was talking about coming to Penn State, 'when it's all said and done, Paul may end up the best of the three (sons).'"... "He was a great captain. And obviously, he had done a great job with his life."

He's Dr. Paul Suhey now, having gone on to medical school following a brief tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in 1979.

And he's returned home to practice orthopedic surgery with the University Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, within sight of Beaver Stadium.

He returned to State College last fall, leaving a successful practice in Jacksonville, Florida.

The one thing that has followed him wherever he has gone, however, is the importance of paying attention to detail. He had that drilled into him on the practice fields of Penn State and has found that it carries over into his practice.

"All of the practice, the reading, the working to get better, refining skills, is the same in surgery as it was in football," he once said. "It comes down to preparation, dedication and devotion, to being available.

"I don't remember how many times Joe (Paterno) used to tell us about doing the little things right and the big things will take care of themselves. It's the same thing in surgery. You do the little things right and you'll be all right. If you do that you won't miss a diagnosis. You won't hurt someone."