Penn State signing day show memorable moments: An old connection renewed, Manny Diaz speaks, more

Penn State has welcomed 23 new players to its program.

The Nittany Lions gathered inside the Lasch Building weight room for this year’s signing day spectacular. It is currently cleared out for construction and renovation work, which made it the perfect spot for a temporary setup for celebratory video calls with signees and their families.

Head coach James Franklin sat at the head of a U-Shape table. That’s a tradition this time of year. He and his assistants, plus members of the recruiting and graduate assistant staffs, took turns chatting with future Nittany Lions and their families.

Steve Jones, who is the voice of the Lions, emceed the proceedings, and various special guests video-called in to announce a new name during the annual ‘Signing Day Draft’. That list included Micah Parsons, A.Q. Shipley, Pat Freiermuth, Michael Mauti, Adrian Amos, Michael Robinson, Trace McSorley, and Anthony “Spice” Adams, among others.

Here are a handful of things we took away as memorable moments from the four-hour-plus broadcast hosted by in-house Penn State media personality Mitch Gerber

1. A special reunion

Families tend to be emotional during their chats with the staff. There is a good reason for that. A long, exciting, and at times challenging process is coming to a close while a new chapter is beginning.

Franklin coached Donald Driver, the standout former NFL receiver, for a season in Green Bay. Now, he will coach the Drivers’ son, Cristian. It clearly meant a lot to both parties. The four-star athlete could be a safety or receiver at the college level.

“I’ve known obviously the family forever, having coached your dad at the Green Bay Packers, and I was just so impressed with dad and mom from the very beginning,” Franklin said. “Obviously everybody talks about Donald’s career as a football player. But, your mom and dad are two of the best, most impressive people I’ve ever been around. To think that you have turned out as well as you have is no surprise to me.

“To be sitting here and have the opportunity to coach your dad, and now be blessed enough to have the opportunity to coach you., is surreal real to me. Mom and dad, I give you my word. I will pour my heart and soul into your son.”

Donald Driver offered his own heartfelt message next.

“I’m excited,” Driver said, his voice becoming emotional. “Thank you guys for believing in him, believing in what he can bring into your organization. So, I love you guys.”

Cristian Driver checks in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. He is listed on the Penn State signing day roster as a defensive back. But, the decision about which side of the ball he will play will be made down the road.

Related: Blue White Illustrated’s Signing Day HQ

2. Dotson sets a Penn State goal for Saunders

On3 Consensus four-star receiver Kaden Sanders was Penn State’s first Class of 2022 commit. He has visited campus frequently and was a glue guy in this 23-member class.

After visiting with the coaches on Wednesday, he received strong words of encouragement from someone he undoubtedly looks up to: Star Lions receiver Jahan Dotson.

“I promise you this will be the best decision you make in your lifetime,” Dotson said. “When Coach Franklin says a 40-year decision, I promise you he means with all sincerity in his heart. I want you to break every single record possible at this school, I truly do. I want you to have twice the career I have. Honestly, I mean that with everything in my heart.

“You’re going to trust in these coaches. They’re going to have your back through everything. You made the best decision.”

Saunders is 5-foot-10, 170 pounds.

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3. Diaz: “To coach defense at Penn State, to coach the linebackers at Penn State, that’s uncommon.”

Penn State hired former Miami head coach Manny Diaz as its new defensive coordinator last Saturday. Conversations between the two sides started roughly a week ago.

Diaz told recruits on the Penn State stream that the match was made quickly. He added that his vision and Franklin’s aligned. Above all, film like the kind he watched from four-star linebacker Abdul Carter was part of the reason why he chose to come to State College.

More: New Penn State assistant Manny Diaz to bring ‘fast, aggressive’ defense

“My first day on the job, you were the first video I put on. And, after about four plays, I said, ‘heck yes, this is exactly why I came to coach linebackers and defensive at Penn State,” Diaz told Carter.

“I’m thankful to all the hard work the staff did to get you here. Humbled to be your coach, man. We’re going to go be great together.”

Carter is 6-foot-3, 235 pounds.

4. Yurcich is ready to coach Allar, Pribula

It’s not often that Penn State signs a pair of highly-regarded quarterbacks. Yet, it did just that with On3 Consensus five-star Drew Allar and four-star Beau Pribula.

Here’s part of what offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said to each.

To Allar: “When we recruit quarterbacks, it’s so important that it’s all about fit. It’s not just about what’s in your arm, what’s in your legs. It’s more importantly, what’s in your chest. You guys are an unbelievable family. I’m very grateful. We’re very grateful that you chose Penn State as your future home, as your current home now, and very excited for what’s in store for you and for this entire football program.”

To Pribula: “You’ve been unbelievable through the process. Mom and Dad, we thank you very much for your commitment to us. And, I can’t wait to coach you. I mean, you’ve got everything, Beau. You’re all-around, top-notch. You had a hell of a year this year.”

More: Yurcich’s message to the 5-star, Allar on working with Sean Clifford, more

5. Best of the Penn State rest

–“You have a chance to be one of the next hometown heroes,” Franklin to Harrisburg Central Dauphin East four-star athlete Mehki Flowers.

–“His energy is infectious. He loves football,” Penn State corners coach Terry Smith about new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

–“It’s not very often that somebody runs a 4.3 40 and has a 4.3 GPA like you,” Franklin to Texas receiver Omari Evans.

–“The thing that’s special about you that I want to make sure everybody knows is, you already have 26 college credits. I’m expecting you to come in here and not only be the best defensive tackle in the country, but I’m also expecting you to leave with a master’s degree. There’s no reason why you can’t do it all.” –Franklin to four-star defensive tackle commit Zane Durant.

Watch the full Penn State Signing Day show in the embedded media player below.

Signing Day Live | Class of 2022 https://t.co/vIrs4DiNbl

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) December 15, 2021