James Franklin talks about importance of Theo Johnson becoming a leader

Every team needs a leader and a voice to step up within the locker room. At Penn State, that’s a responsibility and role that James Franklin says has fallen too and been fully assumed by junior tight end Theo Johnson.

Franklin commented on Johnson’s voice within their program during a press conference at the end of last week. He said that having the player he is back is great and all but that, in a way, having the leader he is back in University Park might end up meaning even more considering the ownership he has taken in that aspect.

“Obviously, having him back as a player? There’s a ton of value in that,” Franklin said. “When you talk about leadership, it’s very obvious to us right now, as a staff and the players, that it’s really important for Theo to have a significant leadership role this year. You can see him trying to take on that role, being more vocal compared to how he’s been in the past. And how his teammates are receiving that information, the impact he’s having on others.”

“All those things have been great and valuable. And we’re happy to have him back,” said Franklin.

Johnson is coming off his best season with the Nittany Lions as a sophomore in 2022. He finished with career-highs in receptions (20), receiving yards (328), and receiving touchdowns (four). He was a clear part of their passing attack alongside fellow TE Brenton Strange and should see even more of a role now with Strange off to the NFL.

Still, when it comes to his value, Franklin doesn’t want it to get twisted. They’re naturally very pleased to have Johnson back as a player but, in the end, having his newfound voice back seems just as valuable, if not more so, for next season.

Franklin provides injury updates on players who missed spring practice

The Penn State Nittany Lions had a handful of players that were absent during this year’s spring practices, like tight ends Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson. But not to worry, Nittany Lion fans, because, according to head coach James Franklin, those players are now ready.

“They’re all good to go. We had a decent number of surgeries right after the season ended. So that’s why we did it then,” said Franklin. “Obviously, they’d missed spring ball, but now they’re all back and ready to go. And that’s a lot of really good players and a ton of experience. You think about how critical the tight ends were for us last year. So to not have those two guys for spring ball, in some ways, sometimes that’s a blessing in disguise. Because now it forces the other guys to get a ton of reps.”

The Nittany Lion tight ends have proven themselves to be just as valuable pass catchers as the wide receivers on the roster. And Franklin believes his receivers should take notice of that.

“The other thing I’ve been trying to talk to the wideouts about as well is a lot of times, the wideouts think they’re just competing with the wideouts, right? Well, they’re also competing with the second tight end. You know, what gives us the best chance to win? Who should be on the field? So, that’s part of it too. But all those guys are back, fully doing workouts, and should be ready for camp.

“I would also say I think our depth is better than it’s ever been since we’ve been here. So what I’m hoping is that we could play a lot of guys on offense, defense, and special teams to be as healthy in the fourth quarter and healthy at the end of the season as possible.”