Penn State plucks a lineman from Transfer Portal; players to monitor this postseason
Dec 12, 2023
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Penn State adds Division II offensive tackle Alan Herron to their roster plans from the Transfer Portal. The podcast discusses the Peach Bowl press conference with James Franklin and Pat Kraft. It also focuses on players to monitor in December and Penn State's wide receiver recruiting efforts. Other topics include engagement rings, video call fails, and the alignment between the head coach and offensive coordinator.
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Quick takeaways
The strong relationship between Penn State's athletic director Pat Craft and head coach James Franklin was evident during the Peach Bowl press conference, emphasizing Craft's commitment to providing the necessary resources for Franklin's success.
Penn State players' decision to play in the Peach Bowl demonstrates their desire to compete alongside their teammates and showcase their skills against a formidable opponent, potentially boosting their draft prospects.
Despite a vacant defensive coordinator position, Penn State remains confident in their ability to handle the defense effectively through collaboration and leveraging the talented personnel currently on the coaching staff, while focusing on preparing for the bowl game against Ole Miss.
Deep dives
Craft and Franklin's Strong Relationship Highlighted in Peach Bowl Press Conference
During the Peach Bowl press conference, the strong relationship between Penn State's athletic director Pat Craft and head coach James Franklin was evident. They engaged in light-hearted banter, with Craft jokingly praising Franklin as the best coach in college football. This display of camaraderie and alignment showcased the improved partnership between the two, emphasizing Craft's commitment to providing the necessary resources for Franklin's success.
Players' Decision to Play in Peach Bowl Reflects Opportunity to Prove Themselves
Despite the option to opt out and focus solely on their individual pursuits, Penn State player Theo Johnson's decision to declare for the 2024 NFL draft after the Peach Bowl demonstrates the players' desire to play in the game. This echoes last year's trend during the Rose Bowl, where players expressed their commitment to compete alongside their teammates. The opportunity to showcase their skills in a prominent game against a formidable opponent like Ole Miss provides a chance for the draft-eligible players to prove their value.
Penn State's Search for a New Defensive Coordinator Adds Intrigue to Peach Bowl Prep
As Penn State prepares for the Peach Bowl, the team faces a vacant defensive coordinator position. While James Franklin did not disclose specific details about the coaching search during the press conference, he hinted at an internal approach similar to how they handled the offensive coordinator search. Franklin expressed confidence in their ability to handle the defense effectively through collaboration and leveraging the talented personnel currently on the coaching staff. The focus remains on the preparation for the bowl game, where Penn State seeks to perform at their best against a tough opponent.
Players' Participation in the Peach Bowl Offers Opportunity to Showcase Skills
The decision by Penn State players, including Olu Fashanu and Kaelen King, to play in the Peach Bowl provides them with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. With the matchup against Ole Miss, one of the top SEC teams, the players have a chance to prove themselves against strong competition. This display of talent during the bowl game can further solidify their draft prospects and potentially elevate their stock in the upcoming NFL draft. Overall, the Peach Bowl serves as a platform for these players to make a lasting impression.
Opportunities for Draft Prospects from Penn State
Several draft prospects from Penn State have the opportunity to improve their draft stock during the Peach Bowl and the following draft process. Players like Adisa Isaac and Theo Johnson are considered solid prospects with potential NFL futures. Adisa Isaac, in particular, has played his way up the draft boards and has the potential to make a significant impact at the next level.
Riley Thompson's Extended Eligibility is a Big Deal for Penn State
Riley Thompson, the punter for Penn State, was initially believed to have only one year of eligibility left. However, new information reveals that he will be eligible to play for Penn State in 2024 and 2025. This unexpected extension allows Penn State to retain a talented punter, which is a significant advantage in field position battles. Thompson's impressive punting abilities and consistency make him a valuable asset to the team.
Penn State made its first Transfer Portal pickup of the postseason cycle, adding Division II offensive tackle Alan Herron to 2024 roster plans. That addition and other portal targets are in focus here, along with takeaways from a Peach Bowl press conference featuring James Franklin and Pat Kraft. Plus, which Nittany Lions are worth monitoring in December?
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