Penn State's James Franklin holds Rutgers news conference

Penn State head coach James Franklin is holding his weekly press conference live from Beaver Stadium as the Nittany Lions prepare for Maryland.

Watch at this link.

Follow our live updates from his press conference, here:

Live Updates: Penn State head coach James Franklin press conference

(Updating in reverse chronological order. Press conference has ended at 1:13 p.m.)

Questions in the room

On Johnny Dixon improvement: It’s consistency. That’s what they talk about all the time. For the most part, every kid in the program has the ability to make big time plays, and he’s been that guy. But he’s just been so much more consistent with practice habits, demeanor, attention to detail, and with his play and production. Terry has done a really good job. Des has done a really good job. They meet more as a unit. Johnny continues to grow and gain confidence. He’s always been fiercely competitive, but he just does it on a more consistent level, which leads to more consistent Saturdays.

On influence on Jaylen Reed, Zakee Wheatley, and Keaton Ellis of Tig Brown: His rep count was high early because Coach Poindexter felt strongly that all safeties, Reed, Winston, Zakee, or Ellis, that it was obvious when you watched the tape, they all played better when Tig was on the field with them. Keaton another guy with experience, so when Tig wasn’t on the field, make sure Keaton was on the field. Need Keaton to step into that role moving forward. Better D when Tig is on the field running the back seven, and PJ doing it up front, and now you’re starting to see Kobe and Elsdon do it at LB. Coming into the season, didn’t know how that was going to be. Ji’Ayir has had a huge impact on defense as a whole.

On team-wide handling next-man-up: Guys have handled it really well. Guys playing, somewhat unusually based on journey to Penn State and at Penn State, have done well. True freshmen as starters. Veterans taking more reps than they would. It’s very different on offense and defense. If you look at rep count on defense, it is way down because they’re rotating so many guys. That’s why defense is playing fresh and being disruptive and getting better. No. 1 in country with 14 different players with a sack. But, getting off field on third down, controlling ball more on offense, and playing a ton of guys. Last two games, 60 reps or less per game. And if you look at snap counts, very few over 25. Tons of value late in the season and the fourth quarter. Have been that way on offense too except for the OL. Ton of value in it, but guys have handled challenges playing through those things, or in situations they can’t, guys coming in and playing well.

On Ji’Ayir Brown’s demeanor and drive behind the scenes: He’s been phenomenal in every way. Really no matter how this season has gone, 10 interceptions or not, he’d still be disappointed because that’s how he’s wired. He’s competitive and driven. Sees the big picture. Mom is a huge driving force in his life. He’s been awesome in meeting rooms, locker room, after big wins, after challenging situations. But it won’t surprise James if he skyrockets up draft boards because he will test and interview well. Guys have typically tested well. But the other thing is, guys interview well. They know football, they understand situational football, they are high production and low maintenance. Not a whole lot of issues off the field. And all the feedback from friends in the NFL is that guys represent themselves extremely well. So won’t surprise him if he goes up draft boards.

On timetable for NFL decisions with NIL and other things: Has maybe been more verbal with media, but it’s something they’ve done in season for last number of years. Where it really changed is when rule changed from NCAA perspective that agents could talk to players from the time they’re freshmen. Their phones are ringing off the hook. Everyone has an opinion. If you’re not talking to them, someone else is. Just wants guys and families to have great information. And then the transfer portal. In the old days, wouldn’t talk to family members about playing time. Those days are over. If you’re not talking to them, someone else is. It’s been a few years.

On Juice Scruggs: Huge fan of his. Fan of his mom. They’ve been phenomenal. Right now, not in an ideal situation, who has played a ton of football, and he’s playing to the end of the game because they have no one else to put in right now. Practices through bumps and bruises every day, every game, is durable and consistent, is the QB of the OL, protections, the run game. He makes them go. Has a huge smile on his face all the time. Would let him babysit his kids, would hire him at Penn State, would work for him. He’s an awesome kid. 

He has been a great Penn Stater and will go on and do great things. Just has a great way about him. Wishes they had five more.

On staying present this season: It’s back to the 1-0. Everybody else – family, friends, calling about tickets, and how winning a game makes next one bigger. Another thing he tries to do is on Sundays, celebrating the wins, put examples on the board, and there are tons of them, in the NFL or college, there are games people focus on and talk about these being “big” or “important” games, but the consistency is also important. Have seen programs have the big wins and then they lose two or three games they’re not supposed to. You’re trying to do both, which is challenging. Making sure players appreciate and understand the cost of winning, in habits, behaviors on and off the field, and that’s coaches as well. For the most part, have handled that. And another example is being able to rebound quickly when you do have a setback which is harder to do than ever because of all the noise. Dave Jones asked a question about this community really caring and that being a differentiator. But, when you have a setback, it hurts, and it hurts everyone. Which is why being present is so important because good or bad, the response can be tough to navigate. Being able to focus and tune it all out is easier said than done.

On the T-formation short yardage: It’s balanced. So you have to defend everything. Runs left, right, center. Throws right and left, play action, keepers. And have shown ability with TEs to explode out of it and go empty. There is enough diversity that it makes it difficult. Playing well on OL and TE, and have some backs that can make you miss and break tackles. And when you do that in those situations, you’re committing that much to stop the run, that if you can break a tackle, there’s nothing left. It’s been a good package and will continue to use it and take a lot of pride in it.

Questions over Zoom

On perceptions/appreciation of Sean Clifford: Have to be careful with it. Doesn’t have analytics to study on it, but it’s the vocal minority, if he had to guess. Gets a lot of emails from people who are super positive and appreciative of Sean, but typically, the positive ones aren’t as vocal as the people criticizing. That’s what he hopes and wants to believe. Would love for that kid, not to get ahead of himself, but hopes on Senior Day gets appreciation and recognition he deserves. Doesn’t spend a lot of time on it, and over time Sean hasn’t anymore either. But, hopes so. It’s just outside of their control so don’t spend too much time or energy on it. Focus on playing well on Saturday so people cheer.

On fourth down conversion approach: Within the coaching community, it definitely has changed because everyone is using some form of analytics now. Use a company that other teams in the Big Ten does, so they get the same recommendations, which is interesting. But in coaching, no doubt there has been a significant shift. In terms of media and fans and everyone else, doesn’t know about that. It’s taboo when it doesn’t work and isn’t when it does. Always finds it interesting when a team is about to go for it and announcer waits until after play to voice a strong opinion. There is enough time to do it before the play. But really, the data is significant. It goes back to execution. But goes back to Saturday where they punted, it was a 16 yard punt, and data said punt was the right choice, but you only net 16 yards, it wasn’t worth it and you should have gone for it. But you can’t think like that just based on the result. When you look at the analytics, it’s pretty strong. Not a guy who lives and dies by it or does exactly what the book says. Has a core group of guys that meet every Monday and go over what they want to do. What the book says, based on your opponent, when to go for two, and not. So gets book recommendation, then four staff, then makes the final call and goes into the game with that information.

But it’s interesting, because some people will do it no matter what. For Penn State, it’s just another piece of info that guides you. Still feels like how the game is playing out, the weather, scoring more or less than anticipated, all play a factor in it. Then tries as an organization, with staff and players, to have everyone on board. If it doesn’t work, defense has to have the offense’s back. Have been able to do that and play good complementary football. D has played really good sudden change defense this year. But Manny got up on a Tuesday, and said not only has D played great in those situations, but O has played really good backed up football. All those things factor into it, but to the point, within coaching industry, there is a lot more that have gotten comfortable going for it on fourth down than maybe the few coaches still resistant to it.

On improvement of running backs: Recruiting those guys, felt like they could come in and help, then graduated early and came in spring, which helped. Kaytron has really changed his body and it has had a huge impact on his quickness and acceleration. Strength staff has done a great job with those guys as well. They’ve gotten a ton of opportunities and reps. They’ve earned that. And TEs and OL are playing well. But they’ve improved. Had really good springs and summers. Combination of all those factors together and both of them are just scratching the surface. Going to get better with pass protection, in the passing game, which would help the team, and them individually as route runners and making plays on the ball. It’s exciting.

On Joey Porter Jr., and whether or not defensive approach changes in his absence: No. And last week was a good example of that. Played a team that has traditionally thrown it really well. Explosive throws. High percentage throws. They’ve been really difficult to deal with. Joey gets a ton of credit and deserves it, but look at Kalen King, Johnny Dixon (one of the most improved players in the program), Daquan Hardy, and Marquis Wilson… feels like they have five corners who have played a lot of football and played really well. Cam Miller is young and coming on. Christian Driver played on defense Saturday and is also playing on offense with position flexibility.

Didn’t change scheme on Saturday. Played with those guys at a high level. Hoping to get JPJ back ASAP but executed D against a good team with the corners that were available.

On Jake Pinegar: It’s magnified at that position where good kicks can lead to tremendous confidence and build on it. He’s done it as kickoff guy and FG guy, and he’s playing really confident football. Had some issues early on with leakage, but rectified that. No one talks about Chris Stoll, but he does a great job and has been doing it forever. And Barney Amor holding. It’s a clean operation. Is really proud of Jake. Kicking at a high level. Penn State and Jake want that to continue.

On if Joey Porter Jr. can return this season: He is expected back.

On Ji’Ayir Brown: Not enough people are talking about him for awards, in college football, or NFL. He is playing his tail off, he makes teammates better, he impacts the game in the run and pass. Really well rounded player. And a phenomenal leader for Penn State. He did his share Friday night with the team and did a phenomenal job. Always smiling, truly appreciative of this opportunity, great way of being a good teammate, and really understands how to interact with coaches and have a healthy relationship with them. Him and PJ have been two of better leaders in the program.

Opening statement

Opportunities for growth: Starting fast, and did that. Finishing strong, didn’t truly play the second half like it was 0-0 up to the same standard and expectation. Did win second half 3-0, but not at the same standard.

Moving on to Rutgers: With Coach Schiano, team plays really hard. Experience at college and NFL level. Had also been on staff at Penn State. 

Made a coaching change at OC in-season. Coach Campanelli has a ton of respect. Impressed by their running back, 23, playing really good football right now. Scouted another running back, and saw him, and now he’s playing really well. Their offense goes through him. Wide receiver No. 1, was a difference maker at Wisconsin, and is again at Rutgers. And then TE Johnny Langan, does a lot of things for them at TE or QB. 

Their DC has a unique background. Co-DC at Minnesota. HC at Maine. Have heard a lot of great things about him. Like they always do on defense, they play really hard and really well and have been for a number of years. Guys that jump out, No. 71 Aaron Lewis, a transfer for them. Sam LB/Safety No. 0, Avery Young SS No. 2, Will LB Deion Jennings, and transfer from Temple, DT 88, is playing really well.

No ST coordinator. Schiano runs the whole thing. Punter is one of more impressive players all year, regardless of position. This guy is one of the Aussie punters that can do it rolling right, rolling left, traditional from the pocket, he’ll run with it, hold onto the ball so coverage units can pin you deep. They’re not always high spiraling, but he is a difference maker and a problem.

Starts with thoughts and prayers for UVA football and Coach Elliott. Found out about the situation from Coach Poindexter, who is an alum. It’s hard to even fathom. But if there is anything the Penn State community can do, they would do that. 

Wishing best of luck to Char Morrett and field hockey in final four. They play UNC on Friday. 

Also wishing best of luck to Coach Dambach who hosts WVU this weekend in second round of NCAA Tournament. Got on a roll in Big Ten Tournament. Awesome to see.

And one other thing, but every injury situation is unique, but wants to clear some things up: Joey Porter had a non-football specific injury. There’s been some misreporting out there. The specifics are, he had appendicitis. Wouldn’t release any medical info without clearing with family first, but doesn’t like that there’s been misreporting out there. So wanted to clear that up.