Ad Disclosure
What James Franklin said following Penn State’s spring game
Published:
Penn State wrapped up its 15-practice schedule with its annual spring game on Saturday. The format was offense vs. defense, with the defense ending the year with a 17-13 victory.
Saturday’s spring game featured a traditional scrimmage, as well as some 7-on-7 work and special teams drills mixed in throughout the afternoon. James Franklin acknowledged it probably wasn’t exactly what the fans wanted to see, but it was the route chosen because of some limitations.
The Nittany Lions are looking to see major improvement offensively, especially on the offensive line and in the rushing attack. At times, running back Keyvone Lee looked really good carrying the football.
Most notably, though, the Penn State offensive line still needs some work.
Following Saturday’s spring game and the conclusion of spring practice, Franklin met with reporters to recap the game and the full month of practice. Here’s what he had to say:
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1517955810013368320?s=20&t=bWpmJ9o2YfAKgrtlE2qJ6Q
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1517955987373756416?s=20&t=bWpmJ9o2YfAKgrtlE2qJ6Q
Franklin on today's format: "I know today wasn't exactly what the fans and the media wanted, but it was the best thing to do for our program."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin on the team's freshmen: "We probably have more new guys showing up on campus that have a chance to impact the roster as freshmen than we've ever had."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin on spring practice standouts: "Ji'Ayir Brown obviously led the nation in interceptions last year, and I thought he built on it this year."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin on the quarterbacks: "Sean had his best spring. Veilleux was able to build on the success from the Rutgers game."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
"We've got as good of a tight end room as anywhere in the country. Our depth there is really good."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin broke down each quarterback's reps.
Clifford: 201
Veilleux: 183
Allar: 134
Pribula: 132— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin on why he thinks Sean had his best spring: Number one, the data…It's what your eyes tell you, what your experience tells you, and then you have the data to back it up to make sure its leading you in the right direction."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Franklin talking about questions team still faces. "Can we take a step where you guys ask about the offensive line, I say something, and then we back it up?"
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) April 23, 2022
Franklin on whether he likes the traditional spring game format or today's new format: "I would prefer it to be the spring game. When you step into the stadium and have 60,000 fans, I want to know which young players can handle that…I want the fanbase excited."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) April 23, 2022
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB