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Penn State practice observations week three, mailbag: BWI Daily

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•04/07/22•

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Penn State held it's third open practice of the spring season on Wednesday where newcomer Mitchell Tinsley continued to stand out in drills. (Steve Manuel/BWI)

The Penn State football team held an open practice on Wednesday night, of which BWI was present. Host Thomas Frank Carr and senior editor Nate Bauer discuss what they saw and more importantly what they heard, from Penn State head coach James Franklin, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, and linebacker Curtis Jacobs. They discuss that and then take viewers’ questions on the BWI Daily mailbag edition.

Penn State practice and interview observations

The first topic of conversation they start with is something asked by fans of the show that didn’t make the mailbag. T-Frank and Bauer explain why there has been less talk and less evaluation of the Penn State offensive line this spring. Next, Bauer describes how the practice works and how the media is limited in some capacities by the setup in Holuba Hall.

Next, they discuss the transfer portal’s impact on college football rosters. It’s a problem not just for Penn State but also for the rest of the country. After that, they discuss how the offensive line has limited numbers this spring and how Penn State is using the portal to find defensive ends. Finally, T-Frank points to immediate real-world ramifications of NIL and the transfer portal on Penn State this spring.

Embracing aggressiveness, Curtis Jacobs ‘at home’ at Will

They discuss Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs’s comments after practice and how he’s adjusting to his new position as the Will linebacker. How has the transition gone? What is he looking for in his own game? Bauer had a chance to talk to him and gave his thoughts.

Penn State spring practice highlights for April 6

Mailbag

Finally, they get to the viewer’s questions in the BWI Mailbag. First, they discuss Penn State’s linebacker situation, depth, and contingency plans for injuries at key positions. Next, they dissect Franklin’s comments about Hakeem Beamon from Wednesday and what they mean.

After that, they have an extended conversation about the situation around guard Saleem Wormley. First, Bauer discusses how the media overlooked his injury last season and why that happened. Then, he discusses how big of an impact and how important of a player he could be for the Nittany Lions next season if he can return to his previous form.

After a quick discussion about the Penn State basketball portal activity, T-Frank and Bauer discuss a long-held trope by a large section of the fanbase. Is James Franklin a great recruiter and an average coach? So, T-Frank challenges the notion not to defend Franklin but to deconstruct an either-or scenario that isn’t realistic in college football. That conversation spins into several about philosophy, program structure, team building, and more.

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