Penn State is coming off its best season under James Franklin and now expectations are higher than ever.
Penn State has as many new faces on the team as returning faces. They are rotating out several playmakers on both sides of the ball while priming others to take the next step by replacing them. It is a cycle that James Franklin and his staff are accustomed to and for the most part, have mastered.
One benefit of his staff is that nearly all of it has returned including key coordinators in Manny Diaz and Mike Yurcich. Both had chances to leave for head coaching jobs before ultimately deciding to stay. Now they have to help Franklin solve some questions that are lingering heading into Spring practice.
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Having forced 13 turnovers on just the stat sheet the last two years, there will be a hole that needs to be filled on the Penn State defense next year with Ji’Ayir Brown leaving. Players like Kalen King and Abdul Carter seem like they can be that, especially Abdul Carter. The Philadelphia native has shown he can be used all over the field and find success doing so. Look for either man to step up and earn Diaz’s trust to be used that way in the Spring.
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Parker Washington is leaving for the NFL which means the receiver room will be looking for a new leader. KeAndre Lambert-Smith stepped up big time in the Roe Bowl game. Dante Cephas is coming in as a transfer and other younger receivers could have a chance to take the lead role. Spring practice, specifically the game, will be really telling on this situation.
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