Skip to main content
penn-state logo

Penn State recruiting class of 2023 press conference with head coach James Franklin

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•12/21/22•

ThomasFrankCarr

On3 image
Penn State head coach James Franklin discussed his signing day class on Wednesday with the media. (Photo: Thomas Frank Carr)

Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke with the media on Wednesday to recap the 2023 recruiting class. He highlights the class balance, the reach of this group, and the makeup of his signing class.

Subscribe to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube, so you don’t miss any Penn State football news.

Franklin started by discussing how his group met the Penn State roster’s needs and highlighted the areas of work. First, he mentioned the team is looking for two offensive positions in, tackle and receiver, to round out the group. Next, he outlines three positions on defense that he’d like to add, including defensive tackle and end.

PenN State gets a haul on the offensive line and at tight end

He also discussed the interesting situation with Penn State commit Mathias Barnwell. The 6-6 athlete will start at tight end but seems to have the frame to grow into another position. Franklin discusses what he thinks Barnwell could be and breaks down how the staff handles players with position flexibility.

Franklin also spoke about individual players he was asked about, including quarterback Jaxon Smolik, London Montgomery, Ta’Mere Robinson, Tony Rojas, and Kaveion Keys.

Speaking on the linebackers, Franklin discussed the team’s philosophy for how the staff wants to recruit athletes and then find positions later. Then he dives in and places all three into positions for the Penn State defense.

Franklin discusses a large portion of the class with various questions and even touches on NIL and how crazy the situation is.

Press Conference rundown

00:00 Press conference start
00:30 Passing of Franco Harris statement
02:30 Penn State Signing Day Opening statement
05:15 How did you meet your needs in this class, and what is left
7:35 What is your plan short-term and long-term for Mega Barnwell?
09:45 Why are Jaxon Smolik and London Montgomery steals?
12:30 Where do your linebackers fit positionally?
15:30 How do you know or identify a player for the star position?
18:05 How many Penn State commits could you see playing early, and how do you handle that in a portal era?
20:40 What does it say about the program that you had two strong classes after two down years?
21:40 How did NIL go in this cycle?
25:20 What was the most surprising part of Kaveion Keys’ commitment?
29:55 Where do you think Jven Williams and Alex Birchmeier start at Penn State?
32:44 What did it take to seal the deal with Joseph Mupoyi and Mason Robinson?

You may also like