James Franklin sizes up Penn State offense, defense in BTN special

Visiting Penn State football this week to take in a day of preseason camp, the BTN crew left the experience highly complimentary of how the Nittany Lions might look this season. Crediting head coach James Franklin for having the best team they’ve seen in his 10 years leading the program, they collectively offered an assessment of a team that can compete with anyone on its schedule.

Largely, Franklin’s feedback suggested the same. 

Joining the crew for a short interview segment following the team’s practice, Franklin addressed a variety of subjects ranging from his tenure with the program to the recent additional expansion of the Big Ten. Among them, he also offered his thoughts on some of the individual units and players needing to fulfill significant roles for the Nittany Lions this season.

Here is a look at some of what Franklin had to say:

James Franklin BTN takeaways

Making the jump at QB

Franklin had many positive things to say about both of the program’s second-year quarterbacks, Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. Both live the position, he said, adding that they’re constantly in the Lasch Building putting in extra film work and studying everything available to them.

Specific to Allar, Franklin said the sophomore has handled the transition this offseason well and is poised. Bringing with him relevant experience as Sean Clifford’s backup into this season, a debut in which he was called upon in 10 games to help, Franklin sees it as an asset this year.

Still, translating those experiences into on-field success as “the guy” is a hurdle remaining.

“He played in a ton of games last year and I think that will help him. But as you know, it’s different doing it full-time. But he’s just doing all the things necessary to give him the best chance to be successful. So I feel good about it. But now we got to go out and do it. 

Manny Diaz’s defense

On the defensive side of the ball, Franklin set the table for fireworks this season. Comparing how Manny Diaz has positioned the Nittany Lion defenders with Florida State teams of the past, the picture created is one of an attacking defense that severely limits options for opponents.

“Manny does a great job. We got an attacking style of defense. We’re in your face, press coverage. There’s no access throws or easy yards on the field,” Franklin said. “That’s the style of defense that we’re playing now and our players have embraced it. And then obviously, when you got defensive ends that rush the passer, and you got more girth and size and explosion at D-tackle. 

“And then the linebackers were a big question mark coming into last season. It’s no longer the case. It feels like that should be one of our strengths. Losing the two guys that we lost in the secondary, that’s the question like it was at wideout. But we got a ton of guys that we feel like can play a ton of football that are ready to step up.”

Penn State offense complementary strengths

Similarly, Franklin’s assessment of the broader offense remains optimistic. Pointing to the running backs, tight ends, and offensive line as units that have all made progress this offseason, the Nittany Lions have a lot to like surrounding Allar.

“I’m not talking about it, but, I do think we’ve made progress (on the offensive line). Same thing, the tight end is a complementary position, so I feel like we’re strong there. I think those two units work well together,” Franklin said. “With a first-year starting quarterback, however it plays out, we also have two tailbacks that we can lean on and rely on behind an experienced offensive line and tight ends. So that will help, too. I think we’ve made good progress there. We have better depth. We got a pretty good experience across the board. And, when you got a guy like Olu Fashanu who’s kind of leading the charge, that helps.”

James Franklin’s outstanding question

The bridge Franklin wasn’t quite willing to cross in the segment came at the receiver position. While highlighting the job Marques Hagans has done as the new position coach, and some of the standouts within it heading into the season, Penn State must still translate its offseason progress into on-field results this year.

“It’s still a question mark for us,” Franklin said, pointing out KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Trey Wallace. “Those two guys we view as kind of starters, experienced guys that have proved it. And now there’s a competition with probably five to six guys for not only that third spot but guys that we feel confident can rotate in. So I think we’ve done some pretty good things in the offseason.”