James Franklin shares why Penn State added Audavion Collins, Alonzo Ford after spring practice

Penn State head coach James Franklin can’t stop adding talent. The 51-year-old coach recently discussed the addition of cornerback Audavion Collins and defensive tackle Alonzo Ford. Franklin first addressed picking up Collins.

“He’s a little bit different situation because he’s got four years of eligibility, which is unusual. So, we had to go back and watch his high school tape,” Franklin told the media on Thursday. “I called Mississippi State, had a good conversation with their head coach there, and [Collins has] come here and done well.

“He’s quick, and he’s fast, and he’s explosive. He needs to eat a few sandwiches, but besides that, we’ve been impressed so far. And he’s an awesome kid. We loved him and his dad on the visit.”

Collins has a lot to offer the Nittany Lions. Collins spent one season at Mississippi State. However, he did not see a moment of action. Thus, he still has four years of eligibility and, more importantly, potential. Collins was a three-star recruit and the No. 82 CB in the Class of 2022, according to On3 Industry Rankings.

Collins is a necessary pickup for Penn State. After adding Storm Duck out of the transfer portal earlier this season, the Nittany Lions seemed to have their secondary set. Then, after just a four-month stint with Franklin and Co., Duck deserted the program and joined Louisville, leaving an empty spot.

Collins has plugged that hole. While Collins has stopped the bleeding, Ford might be causing other teams damage.

“We needed a little bit more depth at the tackle. At those positions, there’s a lot of physicality and contact,” Franklin said. “Being able to watch him on tape against Virginia and against Virginia Tech, and how he played against those opponents, was helpful for us because we feel like that gave us the best ability for us to kind of determine how his skills will transfer at this level.”

Evidently, Franklin was happy with what he saw. The defensive tackle made 32 tackles (five for loss) and also racked up 3.5 sacks last season at Old Dominion. Further, Ford has two seasons of eligibility left. Standing at 6-foot-3, 272 pounds, Ford has the physicality to make an impact for Penn State.

Although that impact might not be in a starting position, Ford is expected to see substantial playing time. Only time will tell how effective the Nittany Lions’ fresh faces will be. Catch the two additions make their Penn State debut on Sept. 2 as the team takes on West Virginia in their season-opener.