WATCH: James Franklin gives ROTC cadet a chance to prove himself as a receiver at PSU practice

Penn State head coach James Franklin gave one ROTC cadet an opportunity to play a little wide receiver for the Nittany Lions after practice on Wednesday evening.

This week, Penn State is celebrating Military Appreciation Week, a time when Franklin has brought ROTC cadets out to watch a practice and take photos, receive autographs and interact with the players and coaches. But one cadet got a really special opportunity this year.

According to 247Sports, while Franklin was shaking hands with each cadet after practice, one let the Penn State head coach know that he was an intramural football star and would be willing to suit up for the blue and white if needed. Franklin brought the cadet on the field, allowing him to show off his ability.

Unfortunately, the cadet didn’t have the benefit of catching passes from quarterbacks Trace McSorley or Tommy Stevens, so he had to settle for DaeSean Hamilton, who was still on the field after practice.

The cadet had three opportunities to run a route and catch a pass. On the final attempt, Franklin made the challenge a little more difficult, as he lined up across from the cadet as a defender.

Here’s the video, which was captured by 247Sports. This is one moment that cadet won’t forget.

Dustin Schutte

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