What was James Franklin's message to recruits at the Sound Mind Sound Body Ferris State Michigan Showcase?

Penn State football coach James Franklin and his staff are on hand Thursday at the Sound Mind Sound Body Ferris State Michigan Showcase in Big Rapids, Mich.

The leader of the Nittany Lions was also one of the many college football coaches who had a chance to speak in front of the prospects who came to learn more about football while also working out in front of coaches at the next level.

What did Franklin have to say? Clayton Sayfie, who covers Michigan for On3 site The Wolverine, was there when the ninth-year head coach stepped to the podium.

In front of hundreds of campers, the Penn State coach drilled home the importance of academics and the value of living in the moment at both the prep and college levels.

Franklin offers a message that highlights beliefs he and Penn State share

Franklin started off with the following words:

“I would challenge you right now, in a time where there’s probably a lot of mixed messages in college athletics and specifically football, to make sure that you guys are focusing on the right things. Right now, there has been kind of a shift in my mind, where everybody is focused on the NFL. And don’t get me wrong. I want everybody in this room to have the opportunity to play the game of football as long as they possibly play. So I’m not trying to downplay your dreams. I want that for you.

“But, when we all got into this profession, it was about helping young people achieve their dreams and grow as young men. Number one is as student-athletes. So, I would strongly encourage you guys to make sure you’re making the right decisions for the right reasons. And, that’s number one, to get a great college education.”

The Penn State coach went on to highlight one of his biggest pet peeves.

“Guys commit to a school, and they say they’re going to school X for three years,” Franklin said. “They’re already talking about leaving school early and going to the NFL. They haven’t made one block, one tackle one catch; nothing. And one of the problems I think we have is people don’t enjoy where they’re at. And I would say that’s the same thing for high school.”

Living in the moment

The Penn State coach has long been a believer in living in the moment. And, while he didn’t utter that phrase during his speech, his words certainly conveyed that message.

“There’s nothing more special than high school football,” Franklin said. “So, enjoy this and maximize the time that you’re here. And then, when you get to college, do the same thing. Don’t be the guy that’s always waiting for the next phase of their life to be happy. There’s nothing like college football. And, to me, maximize it. If we’re going to pay for you guys to get a Master’s degree, get a Master’s degree from Penn State. Graduate in three years, use that extra time to get a Master’s degree. And then, at some point along your journey, if it’s obvious that you should move on to the NFL, it won’t be hard to figure out. But until that happens, maximize your time in college and enjoy that experience because there’s nothing like it.

“We deal with donors and boosters that pay millions of dollars to try to get into a college locker room. Most of us coaches got into coaching college football because you’re trying to get back into a locker room. So appreciate where you’re at. Enjoy the time, maximize and make sure you’re making the decisions for the right reasons, which is to get a great education. I wish you guys nothing but the best.”

Franklin concluded his speech by reminding the players in attendance to thank whoever it was that allowed them to come to the camp and also the people who support them both on and off the field.

“When you leave here today, make sure you thank the people that have had a big impact in your life,” he said. “Whether it’s moms and dads, your aunts or uncles, or guardians, or high school coaches, whoever allows you to be here today, don’t don’t take those people for granted. Because, they can change quickly.”

What is the Sound Mind Sound Body Ferris State Michigan Showcase?

BWI’s Ryan Snyder first reported on Wednesday that Penn State would be one of the many programs to attend the annual event. Snyder explained it as follows:

“The Ferris State Michigan College Showcase is sponsored by Sound Mind, Sound Body. The Detroit-based trainers used to host the camp privately before the NCAA mandated that coaches can only attend camps that take place on a college campus.”

Many prospects who were on hand have mutual interest in the Lions. Read Snyder’s full preview to see who those players are here.