James Franklin isn’t cutting the Nittany Lions any slack at spring ball. Though he had a great season last year, there are some issues in the roster that he’s having trouble fixing. Franklin has tried and tested some measures, but they haven’t worked. Because the WR room continues to falter, he’s employing a different method with his current players. Also, it’s evident that Franklin doesn’t have much time to mend said issues. His sudden actions this year took everyone by surprise.

Franklin has been shopping for WRs at the transfer portal since Omari Evans, Trey Wallace, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the portal. Now, they don’t have stellar numbers to show. But, Franklin had taken things cautiously with them and catered to them carefully. Yet despite all of that, they left PSU. As a result, On3’s Sean Fitz says that Franklin has adopted a forget-about-it attitude and is doing things completely differently. He discussed this new direction in Penn State with Thomas Frank Carr and Nate Bauer in an April 8 episode of Penn State Football on Blue White Illustrated.

Fitz said that Franklin seems to be thinking, “’Just drop the hatch out. Like, forget about it. We’re going to try something new.’” “They go out they get two guys from the portal,” he noted. They would be Kyron Hudson from USC, and Devonte Ross from Troy. However, this is very unlike for Franklin at this point in the offseason.

Fitz said, “This time last year, if that was the situation, would they have admitted that they’re still looking in the portal in the spring? I don’t think so. Because they were so worried about the delicate nature of everybody in that room. Now it’s like, ‘You know what? If you’re not good enough, we’re not wasting time.” That’s quite the bold strategy Franklin seems to be employing this year.

According to Fitz, he believes this move has the potential to work out. He said, “Just call it what it is. ‘It’s not good enough, it’s not going to change with this current outlook that you have,’ and then all of a sudden, you maybe start to see some strides.” He compares the situation to a survival-of-the-fittest scenario. “Maybe you start to see some ‘only the strong survive’ type stuff—whatever clichés we can work into this,” Fitz added.

Gone are the days when Franklin could train his players in a protected and controlled environment. This is a new era—one where the head coach no longer has time for those who aren’t ready to meet his expectations. That pressure also extends to the young freshmen, who now have to push through and prove themselves under this new directive.

James Franklin doesn’t want a repeat of the WR room fiasco

Even with James Franklin’s pampering, his wide receivers still left. Nick Bauer argued that the blame shouldn’t fall on the program. He noted that Franklin went above and beyond to keep them from criticism. “I think that in every sense, the people in and around the program took every step that they possibly could – including James Franklin, including Marques Hagans – to present them as getting better and showing encouraging things. I mean, the things that James Franklin said in December, leading into the playoff about those guys, was like almost over the top.” And because he’s done with this strategy altogether, he’s coming down hard in the WR room at spring practice.

When asked about freshman Tyseer Denmark at a presser, Franklin said, “Nobody cares that he’s a redshirt freshman.” WR coach Marques Hagans also echoed the harsh tone. “Everyone’s time is right now. Everyone’s a** needs to be on fire.” Simply put, both the coaches are expecting everyone, including freshmen, to deliver up front. They will have to show that they’re worth their position at Penn State.

Fitz also said that the onus is now on the rookies. He noted that it depends on the kind of drive they have. He said about Koby Howard, “There’s something to be said for guys that come in with the expectation of ‘Hey, I’m probably going to redshirt.’ Well, this guy did not do that.” Such distinctions will show as Franklin keeps up the strict front.

The Nittany Lions HC might be doing things harshly, but doesn’t have the time or resources to waste. Talent development necessitates a two-way street of value, matching effort with return. If players don’t meet expectations, James Franklin won’t hesitate to move on and find others better suited for the job. What are your thoughts on his new approach? Let us know in the comments below.