How alignment with administration has allowed James Franklin to focus energy on his players
James Franklin was as relaxed as ever during his Tuesday press conference. He shared jokes with reporters, asking plenty about their Thanksgiving meal preferences, and did so with a smile on his face and a looseness in his attitude.
There was a sense of comfort in his demeanor that hasn’t always been evident in his past seasons. This is the time of year that usually begets rumors about his future — usually whether he’s considering leaving for a top job around the country. This year those rumors are not circulating as fervently.
Yes, Franklin was cited as a potential target for the Auburn job, but that has not percolated like previous rumors of his departure in the past. Franklin may have even acknowledged the story that cited him as a target, saying reporters could come in and ask him “some crazy question right now” and said stories linking his name to other jobs is out of his control.
Instead of those things happening, Franklin seems comfortable, and at peace with where he is and what he’s doing.
“I think probably the biggest factor for that is the alignment,” Franklin said. “You know, that has been phenomenal. I think you guys know in the past I’ve always been happy with the leadership, but I did feel like we needed more alignment, specifically when it comes to football. ... So that’s probably the biggest thing. That’s probably the biggest thing. I feel like I can focus more of my time and energy on our players and our program right now than probably I ever have in 12 years. All the way back to Vanderbilt.”
The alignment Franklin referred to was the similar thought processes he shares with athletic director Pat Kraft and university president Neeli Bendapudi.
Franklin still glowed about the new pair of administrators he’s been working with this year and the energy they bring to his program and in general.
“I just think that’s been obvious from the chair, to the president, if you spend time around our president, if you haven’t, strongly encourage you do it,” he said. “She just has a energy and enthusiasm and positivity for Penn State specifically, but for this community and for students and their experience. And it’s infectious. It really is. Pat is aggressive when it comes to athletics, and I think is fighting for not just football, for all the sports. (Bendapudi) is fighting. So that has been really good. That has been really positive.”
Franklin’s status should help provide more stability within the program than there has been in recent years, something that could also be true with others assistants.
It would not be much of a surprise if offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich returns next season and if defensive coordinator Manny Diaz departs it won’t be because of poor performance. The former Miami head coach would be a reasonable candidate for many job openings, but still could be back next season.
Franklin emphasized his importance within the program and his ability to take complete command of the defense.
“I think he’s done a really good job of not just teaching the Xs and the Os, but also building a culture on the defensive side of the ball, which is something I thought (former defensive coordinator) Brent (Pry) did a good job of. Being the head coach of the defense, which is really what I want.”
Replacing Parker Washington
Franklin’s announcement that Parker Washington will be out for the rest of the season is a blow for the wide receiver room he was leading this season. He was tops on the team in receptions and receiving yards and still is despite not playing Saturday against Rutgers.
Without him the team will now have to rely on its remaining starters from the beginning of the season — Mitch Tinsley and KeAndre Lambert-Smith — to step up the rest of the way.
Those two will have to improve their production to mitigate the loss of Washington, but it will be a different group that has to replace his reps for the Nittany Lions.
Liam Clifford, Omari Evans and Harrison Wallace III are just a few of the receivers who will see an increased number of reps. Wallace took advantage against the Scarlet Knights by hauling in three passes for 49 yards. He’s one of the most likely candidates to pick up the slack but it will still be a group effort to get the job done.
“Yeah, I am excited for them,” Franklin said. “That’s kind of the nature of our game and the sport. When opportunity presents itself, you got to be ready. To me, it’s always kind of an interesting situation because a lot of guys are ready when their number gets called and some guys aren’t. It’s always interesting to see how that plays out. But I’ve been impressed with those guys and how they’ve handled the opportunities they’ve had this season, and some of the roles have grown without some of the bumps and bruises. But obviously last week and this week and moving forward that’s going to be really important for us.”
Quick hitters
- Olu Fashanu is expected back this season according to Franklin, who said the team is hopeful to have him this weekend. He has been out since the team’s game against Ohio State.
- Joey Porter Jr.’s status is the same as Fashanu’s, including the hope that he plays Saturday. Porter had appendicitis and missed the games against Maryland and Rutgers.
