Tag: James Franklin

Franklin: Kalen King ‘most advanced freshman’ since we’ve been here

One freshman cornerback is making a name for himself during the spring in Happy Valley.

Ahead of the annual Blue-White Game on Saturday, Penn State football head coach James Franklin addressed the media to discuss the improvements the team has made with only two spring practices left. During that press conference, he made remarks about one freshman cornerback that has been making noise this spring.

“Kalen King is probably the most advanced freshman we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Franklin said.

The freshman hails from Detroit, Michigan and comes to State College paired with his twin brother, Kobe King, who will play linebacker for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State’s depth at the cornerback position is somewhat in question. They do have five corners returning including Tariq Castro-Fields and Keaton Ellis, but the addition of King could provide an improvement at the position in his first season.

King is considered to be one of Penn State’s top recruits for the 2021 class, according to 247Sports. He comes in at 5-foot-11, which is right around the average size for the corner position, but his quick change in direction can make up for that early on in his career.

The Nittany Lions wrap up their spring practices this Saturday at Beaver Stadium and it’s clear that fans should be exciting to see King get his first “unofficial” action as a Nittany Lion.

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Penn State’s final spring football practice will not be televised

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What’s next for former five-star LB recruit Curtis Jacobs?

Curtis Jacobs came in as one of the top recruits in the country in 2020, and now the sophomore could get his chance as a Nittany Lion.

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As the Nittany Lions enter the final phases of their spring practices, head coach James Franklin confirmed that Curtis Jacobs is getting reps with the first-team and is expected to get the start in 2021.

Jacobs was Penn State’s top recruit for the 2020 class and third-ranked outside linebacker in the country coming out of high school, according to 247 Sports.

During his weekly press conference on Wednesday, Franklin stated his decision with Jacobs is based on performance during spring practices. With Micah Parsons heading to the draft, and Jacobs’ lack of experience as a freshman, this a big move for the Nittany Lions to continue their success at the linebacker position.

Penn State’s Brandon Smith will continue to lead the linebacker core heading into this season as he and Jacobs are expected to play both outside linebacker roles.

The Nittany Lions should be excited to see Jacobs has excelled during his first full spring practices. At 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, Franklin and company will want to use him as a pass coverage backer who can stick on running backs, wide receivers or tight ends. On the other hand, Smith can be that run stopping linebacker with his 6-foot-3, 240 pound frame.

Be on the lookout for Jacobs in this year’s Blue-White Game scheduled for April 17.

Which Penn State games are among the best Big Ten games in 2021?

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The Athletic has contrasting views on James Franklin’s ranking among coaches in 2021

James Franklin is still among the top FBS coaches, but two national analysts have different views on where he currently ranks.

Penn State head coach James Franklin is not a coach without his flaws and share of critics. But by and large, you would have a difficult time finding any national analysts who would argue Franklin isn’t a good coach.

But just how good is he compared to his peers in the coaching profession? The Athletic recently shared an updated annual ranking of college football coaches heading into the 2021 season, and there was a bit of a different pulse registered by writers Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman.

Feldman was willing to give Franklin a little more benefit of the doubt in his assessment of Franklin compared to Mandel, who judged Franklin a tad more harshly in his personal ranking.

“A 4-5 record coming off a top-10 season, where Penn State had just gone 11-2, feels like an aberration,” Feldman concluded in his ranking of Franklin (Feldman ranked Franklin fifth overall in his list). “Franklin is still the same guy who took over a program reeling from hefty sanctions, and by Year 3 he led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten title.”

Mandel wasn’t quite prepared to give Franklin as much backing under the same conditions.

“Notable opt-outs and injuries certainly contributed to Penn State’s 4-5 (0-5 at one point) campaign, but Franklin has seen considerable staff churn as well,” Mandel explained in ranking Franklin 17th overall in his ranking.

Both Mandel and Feldman were in sync with their top four. Alabama’s Nick Saban, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly, and Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley are at the top of the list in that order for each. Interestingly, Feldman ranked Franklin higher than LSU head coach Ed Orgeron (who has won a national title) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Feldman did knock Franklin down a couple of spots from his 2020 ranking, dropping Penn State’s coach from third to fifth overall. Mandel ranked Franklin seventh overall in his 2000 ranking.

How would you rank Franklin among FBS head coaches in 2021?

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What QBs in the transfer portal could be Penn State targets?

Ex-Jets OC Dowell Loggains joins Penn State’s coaching staff

Ex-Jets offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains is joining Penn State, will serve as an offensive analyst on James Franklin’s coaching staff.

Dowell Loggains is headed to Happy Valley.

No, the former Jets offensive coordinator won’t be calling plays for Penn State. But he is joining head coach James Franklin’s staff as an offensive analyst, according to multiple reports.

Loggains was the Jets’ offensive coordinator the last two seasons under Adam Gase. He held the same post under Gase in Miami in 2018 and followed him to New York. The Jets ranked 31st in points in 2019 and 32nd in 2020 under Loggains and Gase’s guidance.

Loggains played his college football at Arkansas. This will be his first coaching stint at the college level. Loggains got his coaching start with the Titans in 2008, serving as an offensive quality control coach before working his way up to quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator.

After leaving Tennessee, Loggains served as the Browns and Bears quarterbacks coach. He was later promoted to Chicago’s offensive coordinator once Gase left to become the Dolphins’ head coach.

James Franklin congratulates Tim Banks becoming Vols’ defensive coordinator

Tim Banks has been hired as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator on Josh Heupel’s coaching staff.

Tim Banks has been hired as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator on Josh Heupel’s coaching staff.

Banks comes to Tennessee after serving in the same capacity at Penn State since 2016 under head coach James Franklin.

“I would like to thank Tim for everything he has contributed to our program,” Franklin said of Banks on Twitter. “This was a great opportunity for him to be the defensive play caller and DC at Tennessee.

“I have spent seven seasons on staffs with Tim at Maryland and Penn State, and I have enjoyed watching him develop into the coach he is today. Tim and his wife, Robin, will always have a special place in my family’s heart. We are excited for Tim and his family and wish him nothing but success in the future.”

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Danny White details philanthropy in hiring process and building a program

Danny White was hired as Tennessee’s athletics director.

Danny White was hired as Tennessee’s athletics director Friday.

A search is underway in hiring the Vols’ next football head coach.

During White’s introductory press conference, he highlighted how philanthropy is part of building a program.

“I think that what I’ve tried to do is similar to how we market our program, in terms of building a brand,” White said regarding his history of out of the box hires. “Whether it be in a community, building a compelling case for support and philanthropy, I think the same is true for hiring a coach.”

Dec 19, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State head coach James Franklin has a history of being at the forefront for the public good and philanthropy.

Franklin was named Penn State’s 43rd Annual Renaissance Fund honoree in 2019.

“His legacy at the University is best reflected in the lives of the student-athletes he teaches, mentors and inspires. James leads by example and is a great choice for this year’s award.” –George Henning Jr., president of the Renaissance Fund’s board of directors and a 1963 graduate of Penn State

Franklin previously served as a Southeastern Conference head coach in the Volunteer State.

He guided Vanderbilt to a 24–15 (11–13 SEC) record, two nine-win seasons, three bowl appearances and two bowl victories from 2011-13.

Nov 24, 2018; Madison, WI; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Philantrophy is also a key component for Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck.

During the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in April, Fleck discussed how his student-athletes could remain playing a part in philantrophy during a time when spring practices were canceled.

Below is a question and answer with Fleck from The St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Have you been working on any plans to give back to the community?

Our players have been great. The NCAA has been great for some players on certain teams in allowing them to do certain things. A lot of our players have been doing those things on their own. We’ve asked them to keep up with the philanthropy, keep up with the nonprofits and keep up with a way to make your lives bigger than yourselves.

A lot of them, that needs to focus on their families, that meets the need for them. There are others that have reached out to other organizations and non-profits and have done that.

(My wife) Heather and I and our team are still very involved in Ronald McDonald House, dropping off a lot of different supplies. Our players have asked to put their heads together and come up with certain ways to be able to help our community and their communities at home. We are very excited about that. We are very excited to be able to help that, and we will continue to do that.

Fleck could be an ideal candidate to clean up and rebuild Tennessee amid an investigation of wrongdoings within the program.

Fleck has a connection with the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions that could benefit Tennessee when presenting findings of wrongdoings to the jury.

He played for Joe Novak at Northern Illinois. Novak serves on the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.

Novak discussed Tennessee’s internal investigation with Vols Wire last month.

“Schools are NCAA members, so if they find a violation on campus, they are obligated to turn themselves in,” Novak told Vols Wire.“Since this thing is so public, I am sure the NCAA is aware of it. Technically, Tennessee has an obligation, after they review it, if they find that there are violations, they are obligated to turn themselves in.”

Dec 21, 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen holds the Las Vegas Bowl trophy at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Petersen, former Washington and Boise State head coach, has also been centered around philanthropy.

Petersen departed Washington following the 2019 season.

“It becomes a lot of frustration and anxiety and stress, and some of the excitement and positivity and optimism can be pushed away, and that’s never a way to lead your life,” Petersen said when leaving Washington to take time away from football.

Petersen doesn’t know entirely what is next for him. He didn’t rule out coaching again — “I’m not falling for that trick question,” — but sounded more interested in philanthropy and leadership than the stress of being a football coach. –KOMO News

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What Penn State’s James Franklin said about Michigan football this week

As Michigan football prepares for Penn State, the Nittany Lions had plenty to say about the Wolverines earlier in the week.

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Michigan football was able to rebound after starting the season 1-3 and defeated Rutgers 48-42 in triple-overtime last Saturday. The win improved Michigan’s record to 2-3, and while a conference and playoff championship is out of the question, the Wolverines are still playing for pride and more. A win for Michigan this week wouldn’t be an upset of any kind as it takes on a winless Penn State team, but a win is still crucial and can be a stepping stone for the rest of the year for Michigan.

Penn State is coming in 0-5 and its worst start in program history. The Nittany Lions are having issues everywhere on offense and defense. It’s strange that this team was a top 10 team coming into the season and only losing by one point to Indiana to start the year out. It doesn’t only want a win to end the losing streak but going against a struggling Michigan team, it could see it as its best chance to win this season.

Before both teams hit the field on Saturday, Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke with the media and discussed things from his play at quarterback headed into the game and, of course, the Wolverines in Ann Arbor.

“We have to protect the football on offense,” Franklin said. “That is going to be, obviously, emphasized all week long going into our Michigan game. Going on the road. Coach Harbaugh and the University of Michigan football program. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge. I think the home team has won the last four games. If you look at the all-time record at Michigan Stadium since joining the Big Ten, I think we’re 3-8. So you know, we want to really find a way to swing that in our direction and find a way to get a win on the road at Michigan this year, which is something that’s been a challenge for us.”

Franklin is going up against one of his former coaches, Michigan football offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, once again after last year’s first battle. Gattis used to be the wide receivers coach for the Nittany Lions from 2014-2017 before leaving for Alabama in 2018 and coming to Michigan in 2019.

“Obviously, we know these people very well,” Franklin said. “Josh Gattis is their offensive coordinator. Josh was with me for a number of years at both Vanderbilt and Penn State, and that’ll be a challenge.”

Franklin also spoke about the Michigan football defensive coordinator Don Brown and went further in-depth about Michigan football players on the field.

“Don Brown, I’ve known for a long time,” Franklin said. “Don was the defensive coordinator when I was the offensive coordinator at University of Maryland. Don was the defensive coordinator. I think at UConn, when I was the head coach at Vanderbilt, we played them. And then, obviously, since joining the Big Ten, he’s done a really good job statistically since he’s been there.”

“On special teams, they’ve got Jay Harbaugh,” Franklin said. “They have a dynamic returner in Giles Jackson, which is going to be something that we’re going to have to find a way to limit his impact in the game. On defense, guys that stand out to you are Cameron McGrone, Daxton Hill, and Carlo Kemp. Offensively, they’ve got a bunch of guys. Giles Jackson again, Cornelius Johnson, Ronnie Bell, and Hassan Haskins. A number of guys that we have to be aware of. They run a very, very multiple defensive scheme. They always have. And then, they’ve obviously become a lot more multiple on offense recently with Coach Gattis coming. So, it will be a challenge, but our focus is on getting better today.”

Franklin also spoke about his quarterback battle between Sean Clifford and Will Levis, as it appears that both could end up playing on Saturday, which means Michigan should prepare for both and not expect just one to play the entire game.

“I think we’ve got two quarterbacks that are very passionate and very competitive and want to help the team win and be part of the solution,” Franklin said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Sean, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Will. I expect them to play well on Saturday and help give us a chance to be successful.”

Overall, Franklin and the Nittany Lions have one thing on their mind, and that is beating Michigan. No matter how it happens, Franklin and his players know how big of a game this can be for them and that it needs to do whatever it takes to get the victory.

“I think we’ve got to do whatever we’ve got to do to beat Michigan,” Franklin said. “I think that has got to be our focus. We have to get better today, and we have to find a way to win on Saturday, obviously based on a lot of different factors. You know, there’s going to be more guys that get to play, some of that out of necessity. But, it’s all about getting better today, and it’s all about, what do we have to do to beat Michigan.”

Michigan takes on Penn State at The Big House in Ann Arbor this Saturday at noon EST on ABC.

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College football Twitter roasted James Franklin after Penn State lost to Nebraska, fell to 0-4

Penn State is 0-4 for the first time in almost 20 years.

Penn State is 0-4 to start the shortened Big Ten season, and that’s a record pretty much no one expected.

The Nittany Lions have lost to Indiana, Ohio State, Maryland and, after Saturday’s game, Nebraska, which won its first game of the season with a 30-23 victory.

It’s the first time Penn State opened a season with an 0-4 record since 2001 and is now one of just two Big Ten teams without a win this year. Needless to say, its fans were furious.

The Nittany Lions out-gained Nebraska, 501 yards to 298 yards, and had 13 more first downs than the Cornhuskers and still managed to lose the game. Quarterback Sean Clifford struggled. He threw an interception in the first quarter, and in the second quarter, he was sacked, lost the ball and watched Nebraska scoop it up and score a touchdown before he was replaced by Will Levis.

Still, Penn State went into halftime down, 27-6. The Nittany Lions came back and was down by seven with the ball in the final fourth-quarter seconds, but Levis and co. just couldn’t find the end zone against Nebraska’s defense.

Coach James Franklin took the bulk of the criticism and jokes from college football fans on Twitter with people questioning the team’s preparation and the play-calling. Some people wondered if this season could cost him his job — though that seems particularly unlikely after Franklin recently signed a new six-year contract that runs through 2025 and guarantees him at least $38.2 million.

In addition to just roasting Franklin, college football Twitter also drew some comparisons to Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who is regularly criticized when the Wolverines fail to meet expectations.

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Watch what Penn State head coach James Franklin had to say about Ohio State after the game

Penn State head coach James Franklin met with the media after the Ohio State game and discussed what he saw from the Buckeyes.

Ohio State traveled to Happy Valley and controlled the game against Penn State, winning rather convincingly by a score of 38-25. The Buckeyes raced out to a 14-0 lead then got entangled in a back and forth offensive affair that eventually went there way.

Penn State fought back several times, but each time the Nittany Lions got back within arms reach, Ohio State would answer. The game really never felt that close and the score probably could have been worse.

We always strive to bring you what the opposing coach says about Ohio State after the game and it’s no different here. Penn State’s James Franklin has proven to be a good sound byte in the past and he stepped into a Zoom call with reporters postgame as he usually does to discuss what happened on the field.

In case you missed any of his comments, we’ve got the entire presser here thanks to the BlueWhite YouTube Channel. Click on the below and listen to Franklin talk about Justin Fields, his defense’s inability to get the Ohio State offense off-schedule, how aggressive he thought he needed to be to keep up, and much more.

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Five keys to Ohio State beating Penn State

Ohio State and Penn State are set to do battle Saturday night. We bring you five keys to a Buckeye victory on the road in Happy Valley.

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Ohio State playing rival Penn State this weekend was supposed to be a matchup between two top 10 teams. With Penn State losing against Indiana last weekend, that isn’t happening, but it’s still a huge game. These two have played multiple one-possession games over the last few seasons, and there are always a few keys to which side comes out the victor.

Generally, playing in Happy Valley at night in whiteout conditions enters the fray, but that won’t be the case this year because of the COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the Big Ten on fan attendance. Still, there are plenty of other things to digest for this game.

As we do every week, here are five keys to Ohio State walking away from Beaver Stadium as an undefeated team.

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NEXT … Shaun Wade comes to play

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