James Franklin praises Manny Diaz, OL development: Radio recap

Ahead of Penn State’s trip to Rutgers this weekend, head coach James Franklin made his last media appearance at his weekly radio show Thursday evening. Joining host Brian Tripp, filling in for Steve Jones as the Penn State men’s basketball program competes in the Charleston Classic, Franklin took questions from fans and touched on a variety of topics.

And for maybe the first time all season, none had anything to do with Penn State’s quarterbacks.

Instead, Franklin discussed Penn State’s offensive line development, the standout performance of Manny Diaz in his debut as the Nittany Lions defensive coordinator, and the short-yardage T formation that has everyone talking, among other topics.

Here’s a look at some of what Franklin had to say as the Nittany Lions near the finish line for the 2022 season:

James Franklin radio show notebook

Manny Diaz at work

In his first season as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz has helped guide the unit into becoming one of college football’s best. Now ranked 16th nationally for scoring defense, allowing just 19.0 points per game, the Nittany Lions are 6th in passing efficiency defense, 25th in rushing defense, and 31st in total defense. 

Those numbers are atop maybe the most standout element of the group, which is its place at No. 8 in red zone defense. 

Asked about Diaz’s influence in the program and what he’s been able to do in his debut with the Nittany Lions, Franklin acknowledged the variety of factors that have helped lead to Penn State’s defensive success.

“I’m very, very pleased with Manny. I’m so glad he’s here,” Franklin said. “We nominated Manny for the Broyles Award (for assistant coach of the year). He’s a finalist.”

Along with Diaz’s production, Franklin pointed to the program’s overall conditions to help foster defensive success. And maybe among the more important factors this year, Franklin also said that the unit’s successes have helped keep it fresh.

“There are some schematic differences with what Manny is doing compared to Brent. And I think you’re seeing the guys getting more comfortable and more confident each week,” Franklin said. “The other thing is, we are playing and have all year long, played a ton of guys. So we’re really fresh. In the last two games, we played really good defense. Last game, we only played 60 reps on defense, so there really wasn’t a player on defense to play more than 25 reps.”

James Franklin on offensive line progress

While Penn State has had to juggle a mountain of different factors with its offensive line this season, the result has been one that fans have come to recognize and appreciate this season.

Asked about the group, Franklin concurred, crediting the totality of the effort that has gone into its improvement.

“Our offensive line is really playing well and playing better. We’ve taken great strides there,” Franklin said. “Coach Trautwein has done a great job. We have an analyst that probably the average fan is not as familiar with, but the people that come and follow us closely, Frank Leonard has done a great job as an analyst for us.”

Penn State has lost starter Landon Tengwall for the season and starting left tackle Olu Fashanu has been out of action due to injury since the fourth quarter of the Ohio State game in late October. And, according to Franklin, every other regular on the offensive line has battled through injuries at varying points this season.

Fit to a “T”

Tackling a question about Penn State’s running backs and the offensive line, Franklin brought up an element missing from the conversation regarding the “T” short-yardage formation that has become a staple of the Nittany Lion offense this season.

Effectively, that points to the selflessness of Penn State’s running backs.

“Everybody’s fascinated with this short-yardage T formation because it’s kind of a throwback to the old days of football, even NFL football. It’s not very flashy, two tight ends, two tailbacks, and another tight end in the backfield,” Franklin said. “But one of the things that really makes that go that no one’s talking about is both of those backs are able and willing to block for each other. So we’re able to run it to the right or the left. And not only do those guys be able to make big plays and break tackles, but they’re able to be lead blockers like fullbacks for each other. 

“So that’s been a real productive part of our offense and what we’re trying to do and what we’re building. But it’s been a really good combination of good running backs that are running with a mentality right now, and the offensive line, as well as tight ends, that are creating opportunities.”