James Franklin discusses traits he likes from Jaxon Smolik 

The Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback room is chock full of talent these days. Sophomore quarterback Drew Allar is likely to lead the team into battle in Week 1 against West Virginia. But when recently addressing the media, head coach James Franklin had high praise for another signal caller on his roster: Jaxon Smolik.  

“He may throw the best deep ball. He’s got a really good understanding of touch and velocity and angle that is necessary,” said Franklin. “He’s still learning in terms of in the meeting rooms and out on the field. All the different things that we ask in the run game and in the past name and with protection. So he’s still learning. But really has the ability to find receivers and be accurate as a passer. He continues to do well, and he really is a part of an ongoing conversation at that position.” 

Smolik is a three-star recruit out of Penn State’s 2023 recruiting class. According to On3’s Industry Rankings, the former Central York high school standout in York, PA, ranked No. 465 in the nation and No. 26 at quarterback. But given the amount of praise he received from Franklin this offseason, Smolik appears to be performing at a level higher than his initial rank as a recruit. 

Franklin shares what he’s seen from Abdul Carter throughout offseason

The Penn State headman also shared his thoughts on what he’s seen from outside linebacker Abdul Carter throughout the offseason.

“Same thing. He’s bigger and stronger and more confident,” said Franklin. “I think Abdul’s a perfect example of a guy kind of second half of the season really took off. And he’s really kind of kept that momentum through spring ball and summer camp.

“So we expect him to have a big year for us. We need him to have a big year for us. But I think he’s just in a much more confident place with what he’s going to be able to do within the defense and is taking on more of a leadership role.”

In his freshman season, Carter made an impact on the defensive side of the ball in a number of games. In Penn State’s second game of the 2022 season against Auburn, the Philadelphia, PA, native finished the game with six total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.

In the Nittany Lions’ final game of the regular season against Michigan State, Carter finished the game with seven total tackles, five solo, and a career-high of two sacks. Carter would finish the year with 56 total tackles, 36 solo, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His 6.5 sacks were tops for Penn State last season.

After the impressive year Carter put together in his freshman campaign, Franklin fully anticipates his young, talented linebacker to be more with force this season. And that could spell problems for opposing offenses in 2023.