On Monday, former Penn State running back [autotag]Miles Sanders[/autotag] soaked in every moment of his first Super Bowl media day experience. The Philadelphia Eagles running back addressed a number of topics during his session with the media, and at one point he reflected on the impact Penn State had on his journey to reach the NFL and, of course, the Super Bowl.
On Tuesday, Penn State head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] returned the favor with some complimentary words for his former running back. Franklin met with the media on the day of the start of winter workouts. This was Franklin’s first chance to comment on the most recent national signing day and the addition of [autotag]Chimdy Onoh[/autotag] and more. It also served as a chance to reflect on Penn State’s Rose Bowl victory and its impact on the recruiting trail. But when asked about Sanders continuing the Penn State history with the Rose Bowl, Franklin focused on the growth of the Eagles running back.
“Yeah, Miles is very awesome and we’re proud of him. He’s done really well, not just on the field and being an impact player for the Eagles but really how he’s represented himself off the field as well,” Franklin said. “He’s been like that the whole way, all the way since we recruited him out of high school. He’s just been a phenomenal representative of Penn State and our football program, and I’m not surprised with the type of year that he is having.”
Sanders rushed for a career-high 1,269 yards this season for the NFC champion Eagles. He also rushed for a career-best 11 touchdowns during the regular season. In the Eagles’ NFC championship game victory, Sanders scored two touchdowns, including the team’s first score of the game and the eventual game-winning touchdown.
Franklin is not surprised by Sanders’ success and seemed to think it was only a matter of time before the former Nittany Lions turned in a Pro Bowl-caliber season.
“He really kind of fits the model of what everybody is looking for, specifically, now in the NFL,” Franklin said of Sanders. “He’s a guy that not only can run a ball between the tackles but also get the ball to the edge but also be an impact in the passing game and takes great pride in his pass protection. Really happy for him.”
Sanders and the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday in Arizona.
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