Penn State coach James Franklin talks Drew Allar, Beau Pribula as a thrower, more: Everything he said Monday

Penn State coach James Franklin met with reporters for his final Monday news conference of November on Monday. He did so before his team takes on Michigan State on Friday. As is always the case, he started his time in the Beaver Stadium media room with an opening statement.

“Just kind of going back through Rutgers, won the turnover battle, won the explosive play battle, won the third down battle, won the sack battle, won the drive start battle, won the penalty battle, so all those were positives,” Franklin said. “One of the big positives for the offense, the offense met their explosive play battle and their third down battle, and we only had one missed assignment during the game. Again, Ty and Ja’Juan and the staff and players did a really good job.

“Talking about players of the game, offense, Beau Pribula; defense, Chop Robinson; special teams, Alex Felkins and Riley Thompson. And then D-squad players of the week being Addison Penn, Jack Lambert, Lamont Payne, Kaleb Artis, and Jace Tutty. Appreciate all those guys and their hard work.

“Just some last few positives. Played really good complementary football. We emphasized critical stats versus Rutgers this week. Turnover margin, field position battle when it comes to special teams, and then the line of scrimmage battle when it comes to rushing, who rushed for the most yards in that game, and we were able to really be successful in all three of those stats. And then I thought our specialists are playing at a really high level. Our punter, Thompson, 52 yard average; our kicker Felkins, two for two on field goals and three for three on extra points, and also two touch backs. And then Tyler Duzansky doing his job. All positives.

“Michigan State, got a ton of respect for Harlan Barnett as a man and as a coach. He’s really well thought of within the conference from all the coaches. Has been there for a while. Obviously a Michigan State guy. Kind of getting into their staff and what they do, Jay Johnson, offensive coordinator, his fourth year at Michigan State. They’re a spread team; west coast based; 11 personnel; wide variety of runs that center around zone schemes. They’re an 11 personnel team the majority of the time. They will mix in a little bit of 12 personnel.

“We have been pretty impressed Maliq Carr, a big tight end, 6’6″, 260 pounds. Really has the ability to make plays in the passing game. Is a challenge there, is a problem there. Running back Nate Carter and then wide receiver No. 83, Montorie Foster, all guys that jump out to us on tape.

“And then defensively, Scottie Hazelton, fourth year at Michigan State. Has done a nice job. They are a four-down front, some variation of 4-3, or 4-2 when they go nickel. Been impressed by Cal Haladay, local kid playing middle linebacker for them. Very productive. Aaron Brule, the linebacker, and then their nickel/safety 43 Malik Spencer, and last, they safety, No. 1, Jaden Mangham. So guys that we got a bunch of respect for.

“On special teams, Ross Els, their punter, Ryan Eckley, No. 96, and then their kick return, punt return No. 2, Tyrell Henry.

“Don’t have any other changes to discuss on the depth chart. No real changes when it comes to redshirting, so open up to questions.”

Here’s everything else the leader of the Lions discussed on Monday.

On Drew Allar’s status

“We expect Drew to go,” Franklin said. “Just like we planned on last week, I still think both of those guys will have roles. And, I think Beau will be ready to go. He did a great job. He didn’t flinch. And, went in and made plays like we expected him to make. We have not practiced yet since the game. But, all indications, I think we will be back to normal.”

On the lack of targets for receivers

“Yeah, so number one, that was something we talked about this morning. We obviously want to get those guys some more targets. I think I told you guys this before, a lot of times we have — whether it’s shots, and we had lengthy discussions about that, or targets. A lot of times we’ll check out of the play because we don’t get the look we were anticipating.

“We want to get as many guys touches as possible, but I will also say, too, I think our tight ends have been very productive all year long. I would say that has been part of it as well, is emphasizing getting those guys more targets.

“Earlier in the year, you know, you guys said we weren’t targeting the tight ends enough, so that’s the real reason why we changed it.

“Honestly, it’s a combination of we got to get those guys a few more touches and targets, no doubt about it. There has also been I think us playing a little bit more 12 personnel and a little bit more of that in the passing game, too.”

On the consistency of the Penn State defense this year

“First of all, we been fortunate to play good defense here [at Penn State] for a while, but I do believe that Manny has done a phenomenal job of not only taking what we been able to do here over ten years, but taking it to another level.

“Obviously we’ve discussed the slightly different style. This style you have the ability to be more suffocating, which we talked about in the past because there is just not a whole lot of gimme free yards on the field with as much press coverage as we play.

“I think he’s done a really good job of teaching and promoting standards of what the standards of the Penn State defense are all about. I think he’s done a really good job of teaching the defensive players how to view the game specifically on the defensive side of the ball, but also teaching football in general, which we spend a lot of time on.

“And I think Manny has done a really good job. One of the things we talk about, we’ll have a message in the team meeting, and I love the coordinators to take that message and not only reinforce the message, but also talk about how that connects to offensive or defensive football or special teams football. Then you go to the position rooms and the position coaches do the same thing. Manny has done a really good job of that, of teaching football, of setting standards of how we practice, whether it’s a full-speed drill, jog-through period, and has just really, really taken the defense to a different level from a consistency standpoint.

“Then also just the style that we’re applying overall. But it’s just he’s done a really good job, and really the defensive staff, I know Manny would want to credit the defensive staff as well. Anthony Pointdexter has been great. Terry Smith has been great. Deion Barnes has been great. Really the analysts as well.

“I think that’s another thing that is interesting. Manny trusted — didn’t really want to make any changes on the defensive staff. Wanted to hire a defensive coordinator and keep the staff intact. He came here, brought Coach Lyster with him and Coach Lyster has done a great job.

“Those two guys have really done a good job of just kind of melting in with the existing staff and just playing really well. So, yeah, I think your description is well-deserved and Manny has done a phenomenal job. It’s been earned and appreciated across the board.”

On the season Lions back Nicholas Singleton has had so far

“Yeah, I understand the question, but I guess what I would say is to me, there is a lot more to playing well than just the runs and just the stats. So for example, I think when we go back and grade Nick’s tape this year and compare it to last year, I think he’s going to grade out as well if not better in being a well-rounded football player.

“So what I mean by that is if you look at him blocking for Kaytron Allen on the goal line touchdown the other day, he blocked his guy five yards into the end zone. I think that’s a distinct improvement from where he was last year. If you look at his ability to catch the ball, run routes, and be a legitimate factor in the passing game, I think he’s dramatically improved in that area of his game.

“Again, if you just take the stats, yeah, I get it, but when you study the game like I know you are as a true football guy, really study the tape, I think he’s improved as a football player. And I think down the road when these things are evaluated by the people that evaluate players nationally, I think this year is really setting him up for a ton of success in his future, not only at Penn State, but afterwards.

“So, again, I view it differently, right? There is also players that may have three or four exciting, explosive runs, but then they’re not doing the other things, and fans and a lot of media are, oh, he had an unbelievable game and they really didn’t. You know, so I think when you’re really studying the tape and all of it, I think he’s had a better year.”

On how Ty Howle and Ja’Juan Seider called the Rutgers game

“Yeah, to me it’s all of it, right? To me it’s all of it. I was very pleased with how we operated from the [Penn State] Lasch Building and in the office and how we game planned, how the scripts were done the night before, how the cards were done early for the scout team and we could look them over and work through in detail, are these the exact looks we’re anticipating getting in the game.

“I thought the collaboration, the environment that was created that everybody spoke up and had opinions, I thought that was really good. I thought Ja’Juan and Ty were really good complementary pieces of each other. I thought when they got up in front of the team they did a really good job of explaining how we are going to play offense this week and how that’s going to put our team in the best position to be successful. I thought all that stuff was really good.

“On game day I thought they did a really good job throughout the game of making them defend the whole field, putting people in conflict, and also when we had success with plays, going back to them and forcing the defense to adjust. A lot of times you have a successful play, you want to run it before they get back to the sideline again. You don’t want them to get back to the sideline and let the coaches get on the chalkboard and make the adjustments. I thought the halftime stuff was really good as well.

“I thought though the one backed up situation, if I was going to be critical in any area and I could have been better here in helping them, I thought the one backed up situation where we didn’t take time of the clock, didn’t get a first down, and put our defense in a position that was not advantageous. That was the one thing I will be a little bit critical. Got to get a first down or at least got to run the ball and eat some time off the clock with the plays we call. Besides that, I thought it was really good and I think they’ll build on it this week.

“I think the biggest thing that I said to you guys before is both Ja’Juan and Ty are loyal and appreciative to Penn State, loyal and appreciative to our players, and to the staff. They’ve created an environment like that, which I thought was really good last week, and I think we’ll refine the process even more this week. And I think it was one the few weeks, again, where third down and explosive plays, we met both of those in the same week. I can’t remember a week where we only had one missed assignment. The game plan was smaller and tighter than it had been all year, but still enough to cause challenges to a really good defense.

“I think Rutgers is a really good defense and do a good job.”

On Penn State QB Beau Pribula’s throwing ability

“I think a couple of it is, it’s situational. We’ve had passes in for him every week. But then, you also get into a situation where the majority of his reps have come in four minute football where you’re trying to run the ball as much as you possibly can. I went up to him on Saturday, and although there was a lot of time left, we still wanted to milk the clock. We’re in a good position with the game, want to put a really good drive together, and eat the clock. I think part of it is just where you’re at in the game, and does the situation warrant that? But, as you can imagine, there’s been more in his package then what you’ve seen.

What is James Franklin most thankful for with Penn State football?

“I think the people [at Penn State], you know. I love the players that I’ve been able to get to know and their families on a significant level over the last ten years. You know, that’s probably become more — probably become more aware of that even, to be honest with you, because of Vanderbilt. Like it’s amazing how many of those players that played with us at Vanderbilt have stayed in touch, have come here to visit, that I connect with when I’m out of town.

“Those relationships are real significant relationships. You see players coming back to games here or on the road, the relationships with the players and the ups and downs and twists and turns of what healthy relationships go through with the staff, all the people that work in the Lasch Building, all the different roles, you know, I think about the people on campus that have been able to develop relationships, whether it’s Neeli Bendapudi or whether it’s Michael Wade Smith or Pat Kraft or Vinnie, Matt Schyler, you know, I think back to people like Dave Joyner who hired me and gave me this opportunity, and Sandy and Eric Barron.

“I just think about the people. You know, I think about the quarterback club, which was something I was like against when I got here. I’m going to go over during the week and that relationship — I look forward to that now with the quarterback club.

“Sometimes you don’t necessarily want to go to the press conference and answer questions; sometimes you don’t want to go to the quarterback club and answer questions. But I would say the people. Steve Jones and Jack Ham and just the people. Kris or Greg.

“I think at the end of the day, that’s really what it is, right? It’s about relationships and people. You got your family and then you have your extended family. So that’s probably the thing I am most thankful for, is all the wonderful, different people that I’ve gotten to know. I think you guys have heard me talk about this before. That’s what so great about college football, is the locker room is full of people from totally — I mean totally — different backgrounds.

“I think our world can learn a lot from a college football locker room, because literally you got people that could not be any more different, from the way they were raised, educational experience, ethnic backgrounds, religious diversity. It’s as good as it gets in my opinion. I think a lot of people can learn a lot by being a part of a college football locker room, and probably a lot of sports, to be honest with you. I think that’s where sports are so valuable to the educational process, which I know is questioned at times. Deservedly so questioned at times.

“When the professors come and they’re part of our guest coach program, I think they leave feeling like, you know what? This is truly a complement to what they’re learning in the classroom, and I’m very proud of all of that. That’s probably the things I’m most thankful for.

On Ty Howle’s and Ja’Juan Seider’s relationship

“I think that’s something we work hard at. We spend a lot of hours together, so a lot of times that happens organically and naturally just over time. I think you guys know we do the share thing where guys get up in front, players and staff get up in front of the team and share some personal things about their background. That’s been helpful.

“At the end of the day, they’re just two really good guys and have really good families, and I think specifically for Ja’Juan and probably Ty a little bit as well, but the longer you’re in this profession, you realize what we have here at Penn State is hard to find. A place where you legitimately can offer a kid a great education, you can play big time football at the very highest level, in a community that makes sense in terms of raising your family and seeing your family and then work around good people in the office. An environment where your kids and wife can come to the office every single day.

“So I think they’re old enough and experienced enough to appreciate that. They been places where — maybe they’ve gone somewhere and didn’t get that, so they value it here. Or seen people leave here and go somewhere else and been trying to get back here since they left.

“I think all those things and that perspective is valuable, and I think with those two guys, I think they’re experienced enough to recognize it. I think they’ve also developed deep and significant relationships with their rooms. I also think that’s one of the reasons why they’ve recruited so well at their positions and why we probably have such great depth at those two positions. I think other people recognize that as well, the type of men they are and how invested they are here.”

On the Penn State game plan being tighter against Rutgers

“Yeah, again, I think this is kind of like when I get asked questions that I think, I don’t know if necessarily they’re meant to be, but I get asked questions sometimes about the players or staff that if I answer it the way you asked the questions could be divisive. I get questions, and I’m not saying it’s meant to be, but I don’t want to do anything that’s going to come off as disrespectful to anybody that’s been here.

“What I will say to answer your question is that’s always the challenge, right? How tight can you get the game plan to allow the players to get enough reps versus all the looks in the game to play fast and assignment sound, but not too small that there is not enough things in the plan to give the defense challenges and issues. So that is always the constant battle. I remember when I first became a coordinator, being a west cost — coming from a west coast system the game plan was massive.

“The longer you do it you realize you want to give the guys just enough, so every year my game plan got smaller and smaller and smaller. Again, that’s where it’s an art and not just a science. Where is the sweet spot? We try to say, okay, the numbers, how many plays do we have in the game plan in week one, week two? Let’s go back last year. How many plays did we have in the game plans? What games did we play the best in? What was the sweet spot?

“Not just the number of plays in the game plan, how many of those plays are new concepts, not the same play run from a different formation with a different motion. That’s fine. How many of those plays are new concepts as well? What’s the sweet spot for that as well? Typically that may show up on third down and red zone or with a trick play or shot.

“So all those things have to be factored in, and to me, that’s where the best ones are. They’re as tight as they can be with the game plan, but not so tight that it becomes simplistic and easy for the defense.So that’s constantly a challenge each week. Then I would also say the more complex the defense you’re playing, then probably the smaller the game plan needs to be.

“The more base and standard the defense is, then maybe you can be a little bit more creative. You’re trying to balance all of those things each week. That’s a constant battle and struggle.”

On Drew Allar’s confidence level on Saturday before the injury

“Yeah, I think he’s been confident each week. I think his numbers back that up. His numbers are really good.

“Has there been times where he hasn’t been in rhythm? Yes. Has there been times where he’s missed some throws that he would like to have back? Yes. Has there been times where we didn’t protect him as well as we should have? Yes. Sometimes we didn’t create enough separation in the passing game, whether it’s tight end or receiver or running back? Yes.

“But those same conversations he’ll be having the rest of his career and we’ll be having the rest of his career. In terms of his confidence during the week, yes. His confidence on Saturday? Yes. But there is definitely — the exciting thing to me I think there is a ton of room for improvement with him and with us.”

On a recruit (Bekkem Kritza) saying he knew Mike Yurcich would be fired before the Michigan game and if that was the case?

“Yeah, I think you guys know me well enough that that’s not the case. I can’t talk specifics about recruits as you guys know, but I think you guys know me well enough.

“Every recruit that I have ever met with I talk to the recruit about committing to Penn State and committing to me, because the nature of college football, I don’t want there to be a coaching change or coach leaves to go be the head coach at Virginia Tech or Old Dominion or Mississippi State and now all of a sudden you’re unsure.

“So I cover that with every single recruit, but I also can see that based on the timing of how things played out that for a young kid, him kind of connecting the dots in the wrong way.

“But I know the media that covered that and is talking to a young kid can kind of figure it out, you know. I think you guys know how I go about my business. I would never do that. That doesn’t make sense. But for a young kid, I could see how the timing of that, you would connect those dots, and they’re not really connected.

“But I know all of you guys wouldn’t connect the dots that way and wouldn’t write it that way because you’ve been around me and how I go about things for a while. Wouldn’t put a kid and recruit in that type of position.

On the idea of trying to retain Manny Diaz at Penn State after the season

I think, as you guys know, every offseason, that’s a challenge when you have good people and talented people. We have to do everything we possibly can to retain them and feel good and appreciated. And that’s with the entire staff. What we’ve talked about in the past is, what can we do, and need to do, here at Penn State to make sure guys don’t leave for lateral moves? That’s the main thing, that assistants don’t leave to be assistants or coordinators to be coordinators. If guys have a chance for a clear, obvious promotion, we want that for him.

“We like to create a situation here for Manny and his family that he wants to be here until he has an opportunity to get a really good head coaching job that’s going to allow him to flourish. I think Brent handled it probably as well as any. He had a great job, turned down a bunch of jobs waiting for the right one. What happens is I think the older and the longer you’re in this profession you recognize that, right? It’s assistant coaches not leaving for titles. If the assistant coaches have an opportunity to go be the coordinator and call the offense or defense or special teams, then they should do that if that’s what they want to do professionally.

“But for myself and Pat and Vinnie, we’re going to try and go everything we possibly can to make sure that guys aren’t leaving for lateral moves. And to me, that’s the focus. The other opportunities, I think that’s in their best interest if it’s the right job, and it’s also I think a complement to what we’re doing here.”