James Franklin talks about welcoming in transfer wide receivers

Penn State was one of dozens of programs around the country that hit the NCAA transfer portal looking to shore up a few key spots on the team. To that end, the Nittany Lions have welcomed a pair of transfer wide receivers.

Florida State‘s Malik McClain and Kent State‘s Dante Cephas have both transferred in.

They aim to give the Penn State offense a little more firepower, but for now they’re just learning the ropes and trying to fit in with the program as it continues establishing its culture under coach James Franklin.

“We’re very transparent,” Franklin said. “You have conversations and let people know what you’re doing and why. We kind of have examples of both. We’ve brought some guys into the transfer portal who haven’t played significant roles, have been more complementary pieces to the current room, and we’ve brought some guys that have come in and started and been able to make an impact.

“So I think the biggest thing is being transparent with your guys in your current program, because ultimately you want to do right by the guys in your program.”

Both transfer wide receivers Penn State took in have played some significant ball.

McClain logged 33 catches for 396 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons at Florida State, while Cephas hauled in 145 passes for 2,139 yards and 12 scores in four seasons at Kent State.

James Franklin wants transfer receivers to embrace team goals

In speaking about what he wants to get out of his transfer wide receivers, it’s clear that Franklin wants to maintain a strong level of team chemistry.

To that end, he called McClain ‘very mature’ for how he’s approached the transfer and getting to know his new teammates.

“We also talk to those transfers when they come in about how to do that, how to adjust at Penn State,” Franklin said. “Be respectful of the vets in the room. And then start to try to kind of feel your path, but you don’t need to come in kind of with your guns blazing. Gradually kind of work into that role and that position.”

At the end of the day, though, the Nittany Lions need players who are ready to ball out. Best player will play.

“To me we also have a responsibility to all the guys on the team and all the positions to go out and try to bring as much talent in as we possibly can,” Franklin said. “Iron sharpens iron at practice every single day and is going to put us in the best position to achieve our goals.”