The Penn State Nittany Lions football Head Coach Announced That He Will be Leaving the Team Immediately After…..
Recall the agony of the nine-overtime fiasco versus Illinois the previous year, when the Nittany Lions began the Penn State Blue-White Game 2022 with a goal-line offensive drill? When the Blue-White Game returns to Beaver Stadium on Saturday, fans won’t have to endure unpleasant flashbacks since the game will flow much more like a scrimmage.
Penn State played a little more football in the 2023 Blue-White Game following a few years of improved public practices to prevent injuries, and head coach James Franklin anticipates even more football on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Franklin plans to highlight some of Penn State’s depth during the last spring drill practice. The team has won ten games in a row during the regular season.
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Continue Observing
Following practice on Tuesday in State College, Franklin told reporters, “We expect to have more of a traditional spring game, but we’ve got some bumps and bruises and a very physical spring ball.”
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What is meant by that? In order to provide clarification, Franklin stated that he aims to make this Blue-White Game “as competitive as possible.” Thus, the Lions will split up their expected starters rather than having them all on one roster. Thus, at least early in the game, audiences may see a match between the first team’s offensive and defense.
“We’re trying to divvy it up so you’ve got guys that you feel you can play in Big Ten games on either side of the ball and on either sideline,” Franklin stated.
Franklin spoke with the media following practice on a number of different subjects. This is a summary.
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An injury to the quarterback
Redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik will be sidelined for a “period of time” due to a “significant injury,” according to Franklin. Ryan Snyder of Blue-White Illustrated broke the story first. True freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has played a bigger role than anticipated in his first spring practice since Smolik’s injury.
A pattern among the defense ends
Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton, two expected starting defensive ends, were both described by Franklin as “physical.” After playing linebacker for two seasons, Carter is now an end, and last season, Dennis-Sutton rotated with starting linebackers Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson.
Regarding Carter, Franklin remarked, “It’s likely gone better and faster than I anticipated.” “Up there, the world is different. Although that sounds nice, there is a significant difference. Off the edge, he’s been explosive and physical.”
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At around 270 pounds, Dennis-Sutton is weighing roughly 10 pounds more than he did the previous season. Franklin’s description suggests that the junior could play some snaps inside in inventive defensive schemes.
Franklin remarked, “There’s such a physical aspect to his game in everything from block destruction to run defense to pass rush, and then he’s got such a motor.” You’ve witnessed him pursuing plays. He simply executes the game the manner you desire.”
An impressive rookie to observe
Cooper Cousins, an offensive lineman, is one of Penn State’s notable recruits for 2024. Based on a terrific spring, the freshman, who enrolled early, has positioned himself for early playing time at center and maybe guard.
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“He probably came in further ahead than most guys and kind of skyrocketed up,” said Franklin. “And then, similar to most guys, he had to get through a bit of a lull before he could start picking it up again. He was primarily playing center, where he is most at ease and experienced, when he first came here. However, we are also starting to use him occasionally at guard. He’s accomplished a great deal in spring, and I believe that by fall camp, he will put himself in a competitive position.”
The advancement of a veteran
Tyler Warren, a tight end, won’t be playing much on Saturday. This spring, Franklin has overseen the veteran’s reps, so the coaching staff is aware of what to anticipate from their All-Big Ten player. Franklin did note that Warren had still improved, particularly in addressing some areas where he was lacking. Last season, he submitted his name for review in the NFL draft, which taught him about several of them.
“That feedback you get from NFL clubs about strengths and weaknesses is valuable information for us and for the player to see what NFL teams think of what their weaknesses are, and we can really come up with a plan to attack all those in the offseason,” Franklin stated.
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An intriguing response
On Monday, the NCAA Transfer Portal reopens, and football teams may start monitoring their roster management in order to reach the 85 scholarship cap. Penn State would be over the limit in public accounting, given enough time to reach that point. Franklin, however, responded with curiosity and confidence when questioned about the circumstances following practice.
Franklin declared, “We’re in fantastic shape.” “Don’t see any of those things [being] an issue, and our math’s different than yours.”
This indicates that Franklin is aware of or anticipates that some players will use the portal following the Blue-White Game.
