Watch Penn State HC James Franklin's spring practice press conference
Spring ball is back at Penn State, as football practice is set to begin later today. The Nittany Lions will practice 14 times between now and April 23. The final practice will be the Blue-White Game, which is set for day.
As he does every year, James Franklin met with the media to preview what to look forward to. As expected, quarterback and the offensive line were two important questions to start the press conference. Franklin said that making sure all four Penn State quarterbacks get plenty of reps will be a key focus.
As for the offensive line, he said that Olu Fashanu (LT), Landon Tengwall (LG), Juice Scruggs (C), Sal Wormley (RG) and Caedan Wallace (RT) are set to be working as the first-team to start spring.
The second-team, currently, is Jimmy Christ (LT), JB Nelson (LG), Nick Dawkins (C), Golden Israel-Achumba (RG), Ibrahim Traore (RT).
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Franklin was also asked about the recent additions to his staff. Following an update to his contract, Penn State has now surpassed 40 total staff members for the first time under his watch.
“It’s about man power in recruiting, man power in breaking down film, and it helps you in terms of man power when it comes to game planning and those types of things. There’s tremendous value in it,” Franklin said.
He added, “I’m pleased with the strides we’ve made. Obviously, my contract was a big part of that.”
Franklin also admitted that former Delaware head coach Danny Rocco has been added to the staff in an off-field role. Rocco, who is a former Penn State letterman, spent five years as the head coach of the Delaware Blue Hens in the Football Championship Subdivision before being let go this fall. Rocco was also the head coach at Liberty and Richmond prior to Delaware.
