Penn State Football: James Franklin spring press conference reactions
40Penn State football is back for 15 practices, and it starts today. Penn State head coach James Franklin started things off with his annual spring practice press conference, live and in-person for the first time in two seasons. So, the BWI Daily Edition takes to the road for today. Host Thomas Frank Carr, reporter Greg Pickel, and senior editor Nate Bauer give you their thoughts of Franklin's comments from the field at Beaver Stadium.
Note: The BWI Live show will recap the entire day's events tonight at 8:30. Tune into YouTube and join the show!
Last week, Bauer was curious to know what the "vibe" of the spring would be. Every year, he says there is a feel to the team or an overarching message that usually responds somehow to the previous season. Did Bauer find that vibe from Franklin? He did, and he tells you what he thinks the team's personality and mindset are, coming off of a 7-6 season.
Next, they transition to the offensive line and the situation with the five men up front for the Nittany Lions on offense. Pickel explains what he heard from Franklin, including guard Saleem Wormley and bringing up some player positions and notable availabilities. Finally, he puts Franklin's comments into perspective over the eight years of his tenure as head coach.
From there, they discuss the quarterback situation. Franklin was asked point-blank how he will handle the pressures of having a five-star quarterback on the bench. Bauer gives his thoughts on the situation and how he doesn't think it's accurate to say that Clifford has never had competition for his job.
Naturally, that conversation leads to Franklin's comments about the other early-enrollee players in the Class of 2022 and the transfers that are on campus. Pickel gives his thoughts on both groups and how they should be perceived this spring.
Finally, they discuss the changes on defense with new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. T-Frank breaks down what James Franklin said about Jonathan Sutherland's move to linebacker and how that changes the defense. Should Penn State fans be worried about only playing two linebackers? Bauer and T-Frank discuss.
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