James Franklin bags Penn State Football’s white whale | Press conference takeaways

Franklin is adapting, whether he likes it or not

Franklin has long been a vocal opponent to the transfer portal and allowing players to go from school to school without penalty, that view seems to have changed in recent weeks.

Until this offseason, Penn State Football’s biggest acquisition through the portal has been kicker Jordan Stout, who with no disrespect is not moving the needle for the program.

Now, the Nittany Lions have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason in acquiring players via the transfer portal. Franklin and the Nittany Lions have already signing four players who were starters at their last school and expected to play a significant role on the team next fall.

When franklin was asked if he was comfortable with the direction of college football and where it is going he was as open and honest as he has ever been, saying, it doesn’t matter if he is or not.

This is college football in 2021 and where it is going, and it’s not changing. In other words, adapt or die. And to Franklin’s credit, he has, and he’s shown that urgency this offseason with all these headline moves.

Franklin once again mentioned that defensive end is an area of need, and a position they are still targeting in the portal as well as high school recruiting. He also noted defensive back, as it’s fair to assume they will look to the portal to replace Lamont Wade who is off to the NFL.

Of course, coach was also asked about quarterbacks. He made a point to say they are not in the market for a quarterback, but reading between the lines sure make’s it seem like if the right one was available, Penn State football could pounce.

"“We’re gonna be as aggressive as we have to be at every position to help our football program. If there’s anything that makes sense then we’re going to look at it”. Franklin stated."

The head coach even simply stated, quarterback is a position they need to be better at.