Watch Penn State head coach James Franklin speaks after Thursday practice: Video
Penn State head coach James Franklin met with the media on Thursday evening to give his weekly update on his team’s progress through training camp. Check out Franklin’s full comments in the video below. The leader of the Nittany Lions discussed his leading receiver, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and the defensive end room through the second week of practice, among other various players and positions.
Franklin’s comments came after a very successful appearance on Tuesday’s BTN Bus Tour show. The analysts from the nationally syndicated channel raved about the Nittany Lion’s intensity, talent, and physicality through the afternoon practice at the Lasch football facility.
In his last interview, Franklin again praised the defensive tackle room for their progress this offseason.
“Manny does a great job. We got an attacking style of defense. We’re in your face, press coverage. There’s no access throws or easy yards on the field,” Franklin said. “That’s the style of defense that we’re playing now, and our players have embraced it. And then obviously, when you got defensive ends that rush the passer, and you got more girth and size and explosion at D-tackle.
James Franklin press conference
One of the topics that arose from Franklin’s press conference on Thursday evening was the offensive line. Franklin explained that two players set the tone for the entire group.
“We really look at Hunter and Olu as kind of like the foundation of the O-line,” Franklin said. “I think Caedan [Wallace] is starting to work into that category. And, so is Sal [Wormley].”
Franklin went on to discuss what he’s seen from Wallace, his embattled right tackle.
“I think Caedan in terms of strength, size, athleticism, is as good as you’re going to find. I’d recruited Caden Wallace and his family every single year. It’s our job to help him do it on a more consistent basis by demanding at practice every single day. Obviously, there’s some ownership in the player as well, but it’s our job. To find a way to get that out of him,” Franklin said.
Penn State holds open practice
The next availability for the Nittany Lions is one that anyone can attend. The program hosts a public practice on Saturday, starting at 7 pm. The gates will open half an hour before the event, but there will be a special autograph session from 5:35–6:20 pm. That even will be exclusive to Happy Valley United members. Penn State released a list of rules for the practice.
Similar to NFL training camps, the following policies will be in place at Saturday’s practice for fans in attendance:
- All items are subject to inspection as fans enter the complex for security purposes.
- Fans are permitted to watch the practice in its entirety.
- Video and still cameras will not be permitted at practice.
- Fans are not permitted to photograph or film any of the practice. This includes cell phone videos and photos.
The open practice will last for approximately two hours Saturday night and will be the longest look at the team since the Blue-White Game in April.
