Penn State Football: James Franklin talks spring practice

James Franklin had a lot to say before the start of spring practice

Penn State head football coach James Franklin met with members of the media Wednesday afternoon at Beaver Stadium to do his annual talk before the start of spring practice. Franklin faced several questions from media members, and provided some interesting responses on an array of different topics.

Before fielding questions, Franklin gave an update on a number of items, including the status of several players heading into practice. Wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer won’t be with the team during the spring since he’s currently playing on Penn State’s baseball team.

According to Franklin, Hippenhammer is Penn State’s “Bo Jackson.”

Also absent from spring practice will be offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, who was involved in a car accident.

An important switch to note is that C.J. Thorpe is once again changing positions. Originally an offensive lineman, he was switched to the defensive line, but he’ll be moving back to offense for the 2019 season.

One of the biggest topics of the day revolved around the health of quarterback Tommy Stevens. Absent from the Citrus Bowl in January due to an injury, Stevens is still recovering.

According to Franklin, “At this point, he’ll be limited from the beginning of spring and depending how spring goes, and how he’s documented, it could be full go by the end of spring but I’m not sure of that yet.”

Stevens’ uncertainty this spring could open the door for Sean Clifford to step up and make a case for taking over the starting role.

While quarterback will certainly be a position to watch throughout the spring, so will running back. With the departure of Miles Sanders to the NFL, there’s a glaring hole in Penn State’s backfield. Fortunately, Franklin has a cast of players to choose from.

Returning players Ricky Slade and Journey Brown enter spring as the favorites to win the starting job. However, newcomers Noah Cain and C.J. Holmes will have a chance to impress during spring practice. True freshman Devyn Ford will join the mix this summer.

When asked who is considered the starting running back this spring, Franklin answered, “I think it’s probably slashed. I think Ricky has done some really nice things. I think Journey Brown is also a guy we’ve been really excited about since the high school process.”

Franklin stated that’s he’d love for Brown to rip off a 700-yard, 10-touchdown game like he did as a high school player.

Quarterback and running back are just two of storylines to watch this spring. From looking at the changes on defense, to figuring out the right mix on the offensive line, this spring should definitely be an interesting one for the Nittany Lions.