Penn State Big Ten Media Day takeaways: Sean Clifford keeps focus on football, Ken Talley update, more

Indianapolis, Ind. — Penn State has wrapped up its time at Big Ten Media Days here at Lucas Oil Stadium. James Franklin, quarterback Sean Clifford, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, and safety Ji’Ayir Brown all spoke to reporters. Athletic director Pat Kraft did, too.

Here are our first batch of top takeaways from the numerous interviews that took place on Wednesday.

Clifford, Franklin, push focus to football

Entering Big Ten Media Days, many thought Sean Clifford’s recent push in the student-athlete rights and benefits space might be a major talking point at the event. Many questioners tried to make it one. But, Clifford continuously referred to a July 22 statement he posted on Twitter and made clear that he wasn’t wading into conversations about the College Football Players Association or anything related to it outside of his opening statement.

“Do I want to make change for college athletics and college athletes across the country? Absolutely,” Clifford said. “I mean, that’s one of the things that I set out to do this offseason. And I still believe that. I’m very blessed to be in the situation to have a commissioner [Kevin Warren] that’s open to conversations, a head coach who is open to conversations, and a new athletic director that is open to conversations.

“So it’s a blessing 100 percent. But realistically, I’m here for Penn State football and September 1. So, definitely excited about the future but here in the present.”

He later added: “I’m all for moving forward and helping athletes. But again, five days away from fall camp, so we’re going to stick to that.”

Franklin took a similar approach when asked about the topic.

“At the end of the day, I’m super proud of our players and our administration, being open to having really good conversations, that people recognize are in the best interest of student-athletes and college athletics long term.”

An update on Penn State signee Ken Talley

Four-star edge Ken Talley is the only member of the Penn State Class of 2022 who has not yet enrolled. Franklin said Wednesday “yes” when asked if he was expecting the Philadelphia native to be with the team for camp. So, whatever issues were present appear to be either resolved or are about to be.

Speaking of the Penn State Class of 2022

Penn State signed a 25-man Class of 2022 that ranked No. 7 nationally in the On3 Consensus team rankings. It was filled with players who, at least on paper, projected to play early. Now that some were here for spring ball while others arrived in the summer, that still appears to be the case. And, it goes both for the high school members of it as well as the three transfers from other college football programs.

“It’s hard to say that right now,” Franklin said. “But yes, it feels that way. In the weight room, and running around in shorts and T-shirts, that’s very different than when the pads come on. So I’ll have a better idea, but just in terms of testing numbers and size of those things,” things are looking good.

Mustipher on track

We’ll end with this: Things are sounding very good on the PJ Mustipher front. The defensive tackle who is jovial off the field but a bull on it passed his conditioning test, which was the latest box he had to check to be ready for preseason camp and eventually the opener. Now, he has to actually put the pads on and check that box, too. We’ll know more in the days ahead, but a very positive update was provided on Wednesday.

“It was challenging, but I overcame that challenge,” Mustipher said. “I wish I could say I passed it with flying colors, but I didn’t. It was a challenge, but that’s why I’m excited. I checked off that box and got through it. It’s not going to be easy, but you get through it. That’s what I’m all about.”