James Franklin talks recruiting transfers, defense, and new DC Manny Diaz at spring practice presser
James Franklin spoke to the press after spring practice on Wednesday. He had a lot to say about how his defense is looking so far, plus some insight on new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.
Diaz joined Penn State back in December of 2021. Most recently, Diaz was with the Miami Hurricanes as a DC (2016-2018), Temple as a head coach for 2 weeks in December of 2018, and then back to Miami as a head coach after Mark Richt’s retirement from coaching. As the head coach of Miami, Diaz posted a 21-15 record.
In his final season with Miami as a defensive coordinator back in 2018, the Hurricanes ranked No. 4 in total defense and No. 1 in tackles for loss, 3rd down conversion percentage, and passing yards allowed.
Franklin was asked about how Diaz is gelling with the team. He also discussed who is standing out to him on defense so far, plus which areas of his defense need the most improvement.
Franklin also talked about what it’s like recruiting transfers compared to high schoolers. Two of the Nittany Lions’ newest additions from the transfer portal are 3-star WR Mitchell Tinsley from WKU and 3-star IOL Hunter Nourzad from Cornell.
Here’s everything that Franklin said at his press conference following spring practice on Wednesday:
Franklin said DE Adisa Isaac and OL Sal Wormley aren’t full go, but they’re participating this spring.
“What’s nice is they were able to come out here and do some individual and controlled work. They’re doing all the drills but they’re getting limited reps”
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
Franklin said recruiting transfers versus high schoolers is slightly different, but Penn State tries to keep the process similar and do all the research it can
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
Franklin said DC Manny Diaz’s relationship with the team is “growing”
“I like how he views the game of football and how he leads… It’s been good. Obviously there’s still a lot of work to do”
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
Franklin on CB Daequan Hardy:
“He’s really turned into a high-production, low-maintenance guy, which you can’t have enough of in your program”
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
Franklin said edge pressure is one of the biggest areas of needed improvement moving forward. They’re looking in the transfer portal to help solve the issue
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
Franklin said Ji’Ayir Brown, PJ Mustipher, Nick Tarburton and “someone else I’m forgetting” have jumped out as defensive leaders
— Collegian Football (@psufootblog) April 6, 2022
