James Franklin Outlines Penn State's Spring Football Priorities
Penn State football turns toward spring drills soon, when it will introduce its three new coordinators onto the practice field for the first time. The Nittany Lions return many core concepts and players from their 10-3 team of 2023 but still have made significant changes. For head coach James Franklin, marrying those elements is an essential goal of spring drills.
"I think that's obviously the priority, is getting to a point where we feel really good about how we're going to move forward and what is in Penn State's best interest in offense, defense and special teams as a coaching staff first, then obviously put the players in a position to feel good about it as well," Franklin said recently.
In his 11th season as Penn State's head coach, Franklin knows what he wants. When the Nittany Lions begin spring practice in mid-March, here's what Franklin will be looking for from his team.
Assimilating the new coordinators
For the first time since taking over as Penn State's head coach, Franklin replaced three coordinators in the same offseason. Andy Kotelnicki (offense), Tom Allen (defense) and Justin Lustig (special teams) bring new ideas but Franklin made certain that they fit his central approach.
I guess what I'm saying is, what are the things, terminology-wise, that can stay the same?" Franklin said. "What are the things that should change and need to change? What are the non-negotiables for the coordinators? All these things were discussed in the interview process. But it's another thing to actually do it. So good discussions going on on offense, defense and special teams.
"... I didn't feel like where we're at as a program that we should be starting all over on offense, defense and special teams," Franklin said. "That was a big part of the process with hiring the coordinators."
In discussing Allen, who came to Penn State after serving as Indiana's head coach, Franklin laid out the umbrella philosophy of hiring a coordinator.
"We wanted to find somebody that philosophically aligned with what we've done, understood our personnel, understood the conference, understood where we've been and where we need to go," Franklin said. "... I think that's a big part of our interview process. We try not to leave any stone unturned. We try to talk about everything. Just like we try to do in the recruiting process, we don't sell people on a dream or a vision. We talk through the reality of where we are and what we need to do."
Beginning the installation process
Penn State's coordinators already have begun installing their systems during winter workouts. Quarterback Drew Allar has worked with Kotelnicki on their shared vision of the offense, and Allen has made a decisive first move: shifting linebacker Abdul Carter to defensive end. But the real installation begins when the Lions return to the practice field.
"I think the players would like for us to be further along in terms of install, but we want to make sure we're doing it right and we want to make sure we're all on the same page so we're not having to go back and reteach things," Franklin said.
Incorporating the transfers
Penn State didn't sweep the transfer portal for a huge collection of players this season. Instead, Franklin targeted players with whom he had prior relationships and who filled roster needs. This is Franklin's consistent approach in the portal and largely has worked so far.
However, these transfers could be impact players, which spring practice will help determine. Notably, receiver Julian Fleming, cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber and offensive tackle Nolan Rucci are the high-profile players to watch in spring drills.
"We have not been a big transfer portal addition team or subtraction team. I've been very, very pleased with that," Franklin said. "Obviously we're not through it. There's going to be another wave after spring ball, as we all know. But I've been pleased with that."
Leadership development
Penn State emerged from the first round of portal movement having lost very few impact players. The most notable transfer so far was receiver Dante Cephas, who transferred out after one season. The Lions also retained key players in defensive tackles DVon Ellies and Hakeem Beamon and offensive lineman Nick Dawkins.
Franklin wanted that on the record as well, and it's a key factor in developing a new core of leaders.
"What I would also say is, I don't think people realize, is we've had a number of guys that didn't have to come back to Penn State that also came back to Penn State. I think that is important as anything," Franklin said. "That's as important, maybe more so, than going out into the transfer portal and bringing guys in. As we all know, NIL also plays a major factor in all of this. We want to make sure that, number one, we're taking care of our current roster first, that's priority number one. But it is a factor when it comes to the transfer portal and additions in that area, as well.
"That's something we're going to have to work really, really hard at. So far, so good. For us, it's our current roster, which is the priority, holding onto those guys. Then where we do have some obvious holes or needs that we need to fix and maybe bring in experience as complementary pieces. We'll do that."
A spring game showcase
Penn State will hold its annual Blue-White Game on April 13 at Beaver Stadium. Franklin cited the program's depth as a reason to watch the spring game.
"One of the things that's exciting is, I think we'll be able to have probably one of the better spring games in my mind that we've had in a while because we have enough depth to do that," Franklin said. "That will allow us to kind of have a better understanding of where guys are at to come into training camp and to compete for actual starting jobs. None of those things will be decided this spring. We'll have a better idea of where guys are at."
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