Live updates, instant analysis and stories from Penn State football’s virtual media days

Penn State begins Day 1 of its three days of virtual media days with HC James Franklin speaking to reporters at noon. Coordinators will also be made available today, as well as a handful of players on Thursday and Friday.

I'll have updates here.

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

#PennState HC James Franklin says LB Micah Parsons will not be opting back into the season, even though there was a legitimate possibility of it happening. Says the amount of time Parsons was away from the program made it difficult.

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Franklin, on being back on the field with full pads on for the first time this year today: "It's not full pads Day 1... it's just helmets and shoulder pads Day 1 and then it transitions from there. ... There's very little full contact left in college and NFL practices."

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Franklin says that whenever he or the team posts something about voting on social media, there's a certain group that always "attacks" that. He adds that he or the team isn't telling anyone who to vote for, but simply encouraging people to vote.

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Franklin, on the importance of having a diverse coaching staff: "I think it's really important. ... When you've got a football team of a 125 young men, diversity is really important. I need to make sure everyone on that team has someone they can connect with."

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Franklin, on the importance of having a diverse coaching staff: "I think it's really important. ... When you've got a football team of a 125 young men, diversity is really important. I need to make sure everyone on that team has someone they can connect with."

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Franklin, on the NCAA allowing athletes to express their views on social issues on uniforms: "When it comes to these social issues, there's always the fine line w how we represent ourselves and make a statement, but also do it in a way that aligns w our university and community."

— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) September 30, 2020

Start of Penn State football media days, follow @pupadhyaya_ , @JonSauber for updates https://t.co/6jfH6YHiBH

— Abby Drey (@ADreyPhotos) September 30, 2020