Penn State coach James Franklin on Blue-White game format, progress made this spring, and question marks
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State coach James Franklin has said for the last month that he hopes the Blue-White game could return to its traditional two-team format after a modified game featuring the offense versus the defense was held due to injuries a year ago.
Now just days away from his 10th spring scrimmage with the Nittany Lions, Franklin said Tuesday night that going back to the old way of doing things continues to be the plan. It should be noted that two practices remain between now and Saturday’s public one, which starts at 2 p.m. inside of Beaver Stadium. But, things are trending the right way. And, this version of the Nittany Lions is, too, with 12 days of drills in the books dating back to March 14.
“I think we’re about right where I thought we would be,” Franklin said. Moments earlier, he pointed out that the practice he had just finished presiding over was a good one featuring plenty of competition and energy.
“We have a big question with the specialists. Feel good about the long snapper. Feel good about the punting competition, feel good about the kicking competition, so that’s been good.”
More: Penn State April 11 open practice notes: Offense
Questions still remain for Penn State moving forward
No spring practice session answers all of a program’s questions before preseason camp. That’s just the way it goes. The good news is that the list at Penn State has not grown since Franklin first outlined them about a month ago. But, the bad news is that the ones that existed for the Lions then still do now, for the most part.
“I think there are still some question marks in terms of [defensive] tackle that we have to get resolved there. And, then, I still think there’s a question mark at wide out? Who’s going to be the third wide out? That’s still an open competition. A number of guys are still competing for the job. Then, there is some talent still coming in.”
More: Penn State April 11 practice notes: Defense
Franklin has consistently said that KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace have separated themselves from the pack at receiver. But, a third option does not yet exist, let alone a fourth or fifth in an offense that wants depth at that spot.
As for defensive tackle, Coziah Izzard has been limited this spring. Returners Zane Durant and D’Von Ellies are leading the charger inside. However, who will fill out the two- and three-deep on the depth chart continues to be just about anyone’s guess. Jordan van den Berg and Kaleb Artis are two others to watch besides Izzard once he’s healthy.
Penn State practices Thursday and Friday before the Blue-White game on Saturday.
