Recap: Penn State football updates from Big Ten Media Days

Indianapolis, Ind. — Penn State has competed its time at Big Ten Media Days. Head coach James Franklin, quarterback Sean Clifford, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, and safety Ji’Ayir Brown all addressed reporters today along with athletic director Pat Kraft at Lucas Oil Stadium here.

Read a recap of the top highlights and headlines below.

Part three of Penn State coach James Franklin’s media session

3:20 p.m.: That’s it and that’s all from Penn State at Big Ten Media Days. Thanks for following along!

3:02 p.m.: James Franklin says Ken Talley will be here for camp. The linebacker has yet to enroll. He also said Lasch Bash numbers are up a bit this year but that’s because “it’s hard to tell a good player no.” Says it’s a springboard into the next recruiting cycle. Also, in case we didn’t mention it earlier, fall camp starts Sunday.

2:55 p.m.: Ji’Ayir Brown got a mic and got a question in for Franklin. It focused on PJ Mustipher passing the conditioning test, which is the big running joke today but also a huge deal, as it means he’s one step closer to camp. Franklin said he was proud of Mustipher, Brown, and Clifford, who are of course here, and also the rest of the locker room.

2:50 p.m.: Going back to the Class of 2022, James Franklin seems to think that this Class of 2022 might be the most prepared and ready group he’s had heading into camp “just in terms of testing numbers and size.”

2:42 p.m.: On the White Out game being Minnesota, James Franklin said it seemed fans were decidedly in favor of it being a night game, and they felt like Minnesota would be. He said they felt like another game would more likely than not be at Noon.

He’s talking about Ohio State of course, which is not yet scheduled but could be a FOX Big Noon kick. He also says on a different note that Pat Kraft is fighting battles for the program.

Part two of Penn State coach James Franklin’s media session

2:35 p.m.: James Franklin has immense praise for Pat Kraft, who he says along with the athletic department staff is helping take some stuff on his plate that let him focus on football. Not that he’s not paying attention to NIL or scheduling at all, but it sounds like Kraft and co., take the bull by the horns. He also talked previously about the offensive line. Pretty vague, but seems to like the depth there. And, he brought up Bryce Effner as someone not being talked about but should be.

2:30 p.m.: Asked what he sees that shows progress going into camp, Franklin says testing numbers are good and that they’re “bigger, stronger, faster.” Moves onto depth next: “We had depth issues last year. When we were healthy we could play with anybody in the country.

But when we had injuries at key positions, we weren’t able to sustain it. You have to prepare for it and be ready for it, and I think we have more depth at more positions than we’ve had in the last few years. Based on testing numbers and feedback, although our recruiting class was ranked highly, once you show up to campus, no one cares.

Once they show up, you get a better feel, and right now it seems like we have more players who have a chance to help us after just arriving on campus.” Depth at safety is one example of that with Cristian Driver and KJ Winston.

Updates from James Franklin’s media session

2:25 p.m.: A question comes up on facilities. James Franklin says he’s excited about the renovations they’ll be moving into this summer. He said they are a little behind schedule but that “it’ll work out well.” Said there is new carpet on the second floor where the coaches are but suggests there is still work to be done there. But, they wanted to take care of the players’ areas first. Adds that he and Pat Kraft “have really been aligned throughout the entire process.”

2:20 p.m.: The first two questions here focus on NIL and Ohio State coach Ryan Day talking about $13 million being needed for name, image, and likeness. Said he’s not going to address specific schools or coaches or comments but that all kinds of reports set numbers and comparison points. Reiterated what he did a few weeks ago: Penn State should compete in everything it does. Moving on to Sean Clifford, he talks about needing to have conversations “that people think are in the best interest of the student athlete. I’m really proud of the conversations and relationships that we have with our players.” He obviously doesn’t want to get into the specific reports about the CFBPA.

Updates from the afternoon players media sessions

2:15 p.m.: Ji’Ayir Brown just RAVED about the Class of 2022. Said the group is almost all entirely ready to play now.

2:00 p.m.– Sean Clifford wants to keep the focus on football, he says at his roundtable. He wants his statement on Twitter from last week to stand. Adds that he appreciates Kevin Warren and the Big Ten being willing to listen. PJ Mustipher says he passed the conditioning test and is ready for camp.
1:35 p.m.: We’re back up and running here as the Penn State players prepare to have their roundtable sessions. First, though, the group stopped by the Big Ten Network set.

Updates from Pat Kraft’s media session

12:52 p.m.: Our live updates will now have a brief break until the player talk at 1:45 p.m. ET.

12:38 p.m.: Pat Kraft, the new Penn State athletic director, spoke with reporters for nearly 20 minutes. We’ll have a full story up soon but some highlights include:

• He’s aware of the Penn State opening Big Ten play on the road streak. “That stinks. I did deal with that. I called our friends in the conference, who I love dearly. That’s not right.”
• A top priority right now is improving the Olympic sports stadiums, led by the men’s and women’s soccer fields.
• Obviously he is thrilled that Cael Sanderson is locked in with a contract extension.
• On Beaver Stadium, Kraft said decisions still have to be made on that. Sounds to this reporter like how safe the structure is and how that might change in the future/what it would cost to keep it that way. So, stay tuned.
• Of course, name, image, and likeness came up. He said education is a big priority right now.

Updates from James Franklin’s podium speech

Information will flow here from the Blue-White Illustrated team in reverse chronological order.

12:15 p.m.: That’s it from James Franklin at the podium.

12:13 p.m.: Will PJ Mustipher be ready for the opener? “He’s back, and excited, and ready to go,” James Franklin said. “He wished that he was ready for spring ball. The most important thing is that he’s back for camp.” Sounds like all systems go there.

12:09 p.m.: James Franklin never misses an opportunity to point out that Penn State is again opening the Big Ten slate on the road. That’s with good reason. His first question focuses on pass rushers and defensive ends. Obviously, some players will need to step up. Mentions Chop Robinson, who he thinks can make an impact right away, and Adisa Isaac.

12:07 p.m.: On all the Sean Clifford stuff, Franklin talks about appreciating the open relationships he has with the players. Also shouts out Pat Kraft in that regard. “I’m blessed and fortunate to have a team and administration that are willing to have these conversations. Our players, and Sean, wants what’s best for players, Penn State, and the Big Ten.”

12:06 p.m.: Franklin says that the middle linebacker competition will go deep into camp. Obviously loves the secondary group. “We had a great season. Looking forward to going into camp,” Franklin said. Adds Penn State will start camp on Sunday.

12:04 p.m. – James Franklin starts his podium speech by saying he’s happy with the summer. Goes on to say that he feels great about the depth, mostly because of the Class of 2022. He says he’s going to let the offensive line prove that it’s improved on the field, but is happy with the group.

Penn State live updates from Big Ten Media Days before James Franklin takes the podium

11:55 a.m. – It’s about to be James Franklin time, folks. Updates to follow.

11:43 a.m. – No, Mel Tucket is not interested in responding to Pat Narduzzi’s comment that Pitt would have beat Michigan State in the Peach Bowl if Kenny Pickett would have played.

11:40 a.m. – No Penn State mentions since Purdue during the podium speeches. But, that’s hardly a surprise. Now 20 minutes out. Again, you can watch James Franklin’s podium speech in the embedded tweet below.

11:20 a.m. – We’re about 40 minutes out from James Franklin’s podium speech. Pat Kraft will then speak immediately after.

11:10 a.m. – “We’re fortunate to play a high-caliber opponent in Week 1 on national TV. The last time we played Penn State, it was not a good day for us. We understand that they’re well coached and have great talent. They’re going to be hungry and out to prove themselves. We have to do a lot of small things right to win that game. We’re looking forward to playing a great opponent.” — Purdue coach Jeff Brohm talks Penn State in his opening statement.

11 a.m. – A live feed can be found on the Big Ten Twitter account, which is linked below:

Day 2 from #B1GMediaDays! Watch the stream (with ASL interpreters) here https://t.co/wun86mTs2V

— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) July 27, 2022

10:50 a.m. – James Franklin and the players are in the back green rooms. There, they chat with Big Ten television partners and writers from national media outlets or just relax before coming out to the stage.

More Big Ten Media Days coverage

Note that some links may become outdated as the afternoon progresses:

How, when to watch Penn State at Big Ten Media Days

One thing we want to learn from each Penn State participant at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday

How many penalty flags fly accurately in the Big Ten? USC, UCLA questions plentiful, and more Media Days takeaways

Minnesota coach PJ Fleck discusses bringing Kirk Ciarrocca back after once losing him to Penn State