Penn State, boasting 'fantastic summer,' ready for preseason camp

James Franklin knew he was speaking in cliche. Taking to the podium in Indianapolis for Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, the Penn State head coach said he had a reason for it, though.

Pleased with the summer that his Nittany Lions have had, the offseason data backed up his enthusiasm for the start of preseason camp. Now just days away, set to return in full on Sunday, August 1, between the combination of depth and an influx of prepared talent, Franklin indicated that Penn State is ready to go.

Then, he explained why.

Running through every position group on offense, defense, and special teams, Franklin highlighted his reasons for optimism, lingering questions, and what’s next for the program.

Penn State Offense

Beginning at quarterback, the Nittany Lions can boast a quarterback who has been a captain for three years. That experience counts and matters for Sean Clifford as he approaches the 2022 season.

But Franklin added that depth and, maybe more important, the competition that can emanate from it, are important. “Our depth at the quarterback position with four quarterbacks that we feel very, very strong about,” Franklin said. “We feel great about the competition in that room.”

In front of Clifford and Penn State’s quarterbacks, Franklin made a point of saying nothing. Acknowledging that the offensive line has been a point of yearly conversation, one in which he has said “this is going to be the year for the next step at that position,” Franklin said he’s “not going to do that this year.” Instead, offering that he’s been pleased with the group and its depth, Franklin said those affirmations could be proven on the field. 

What Franklin didn’t hesitate to point out, however, was his confidence in the playmakers now at Penn State’s disposal. For both tight end and running back, Franklin said he would put both groups “up against any other program in the country” and that he feels “great” about the rooms, respectively. 

The receiver position, meanwhile, suffered the departure of first-round NFL Draft pick Jahan Dotson but has a two-deep and three starters with an opportunity “to be as good, if not better” as a group.

In all, bolstered by Mike Yurcich in his second year as offensive coordinator, Franklin expressed his confidence.

“(I) feel very good on the offensive side of the ball with what we’re able to do,” Franklin said. 

Penn State Defense

Able to tackle a pair of questions about his defensive front during his podium session, Franklin spent more time talking about that side of the ball. 

And as he pointed out immediately, the group will find its foundation for success with the performance of the front. The good news for Penn State, of course, is that Franklin is optimistic about its formula there.

“We feel very good about our defensive line,” Franklin said, highlighting PJ Mustipher as an anchor up front. “A lot of people talk about the game of football. You want to be strong up the middle, very similar to baseball and having a nose guard like PJ Mustipher to set the tone is important. He’s back and excited and ready to go.”

At end, meanwhile, Franklin said the addition of Chop Robinson through the transfer portal, plus the return of injured DE Adisa Isaac, has left the program feeling “really good” about its prospects at end.

Whether the same is true at linebacker is to be determined, Franklin acknowledged.

Expressing confidence in the two outside linebacker positions, manned by Curtis Jacobs at Will and Jon Sutherland, converting from safety to Sam, Franklin said the Mike linebacker spot would be an open competition that goes deep into camp. 

And, returning vast experience in the secondary, despite the losses of safety Jaquan Brisker and corner Tariq Castro-Fields to the NFL Draft, Franklin said the group could prove to be a strength of the team.

“We feel like we’ve got a chance,” Franklin said. “This has been kind of a year-to-year routine. We’ve done a great job in the secondary in recruiting and developing. I feel like that has a chance to be a strength for us.”