James Franklin talks 2022 recruiting class, B1G realignment and more during NSD presser
James Franklin spoke to the media on National Signing Day.
Penn State has the 6th-best recruiting class of 2022 per 247Sports. The Nittany Lions have the No. 2 class in the B1G with 25 total commits that includes 3 5-star recruits, 13 4-star recruits, and 9 3-star recruits.
Franklin also discussed the rumors surrounding a potential B1G conference realignment. There have been talks about possibly getting rid of divisions all together, much like the Big 12. The idea is that the best 2 teams would meet in the B1G conference championship.
Penn State also has been in the spotlight recently after DE Bryce Mostella accused the program and Franklin of neglecting his mental health. Franklin chose not to comment on the accusations at this time.
Lastly, Franklin also talked about the importance of hiring minority coaches in College Football and the NFL. This comes after the news about the Brian Flores lawsuit against the NFL and 3 of its teams came out recently.
Here’s all of what Franklin had to say at his press conference:
Franklin on Big Ten alignment: “You have to look at not just what’s best for Penn State, but what’s in the best interest of the Big Ten.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on the 2021 season: “We were really close last year.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
“At one point we were ranked No. 4 in the country and doing some really good things. I think it’s also a great example where depth is so important, where development is so important because injuries are going to play a factor in college football across the board.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on Tyrece Mills: “You’re talking about a guy who’s from the region… He’s been able to go on to Lackawanna and continue the path of great safeties that have decided to come to Penn State.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on the philosophical changes around the program: “I’m a guy who likes the structure and consistency that we’ve been able to have. Whether you totally agree with the transfer portal or whether you totally agree with NIL…The reality is you have to embrace them.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on if he’s committed to starting Sean Clifford in 2022: “Sean is our returning starter. There’s no doubt about that. But, there’s a competition at every position.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on the current roster and the transfer portal: “There is a little wiggle room…I do think there’s going to be, across the country in college football, a lot of moving parts.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on Bryce Mostella: “When things like this happen, we’re really not going to have a response. It’s not the appropriate setting to do that.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
“When I have the opportunity to introduce coaches to athletic directors and commissioners, and when I have the opportunity to vouch for people… I have that responsibility,” he continued.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on minority hiring in college football: “Obviously, the thing that I want to do is to set a really good example.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
More from Franklin on minority coaches in football: “If you really look at it from a historical perspective, the number of coaches of color in college football and in the NFL, it’s probably concerning.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin on signing day: “Really proud of the staff and everything we’ve been able to do throughout this entire process.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
A theme emerging today: PSU has to be “bold and aggressive” when rules change, Franklin said. Adds that these things (like NIL) need to happen quickly, then “we need to move.” “We need to be one of the leaders in college football, in college athletics.”
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) February 2, 2022
Franklin on the run game: “We have to be able to throw to win games. We have to be able to run to win the game. There’s going to be games where the run needs to be the emphasis.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
Franklin acknowledged that they were having success running the ball in the bowl game and got away from it.
“That’s also my job,” he said. “I want to make sure we have the ability to do both (run and pass). … That will be an emphasis this spring, summer and next season.”
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) February 2, 2022
Franklin on transfer wideout Mitchell Tinsley: “The strength staff has been very impressed by him. Sean Clifford, who I think is his roommate, has been very impressed by him.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 2, 2022
