How does Penn State's James Franklin recruit his players? Several Nittany Lions offer a glimpse into the process.
When recruiting offensive lineman Michal Menet nearly a decade ago, Penn State football coach James Franklin made a point to engage with his little brother. Joey Schlaffer was about 8 years old when Franklin offered him a scholarship. Now, Schlaffer is a redshirt freshman with the Nittany Lions.
"I'm still a big believer in transformational relationships, and college football being transformational," Franklin said after the Blue-White Game. "I'm worried that college football is becoming more and more transactional." "It’s actually fun," defensive end Jameial Lyons said. "Penn State made me commit not just because they wanted me as a football player, but they made me feel loved as a person. I feel like if you want to play college football, at the end of the day that’s important. Not just the football part but, do you feel loved? It’s a humbling experience."
"It felt surreal," offensive lineman Chimdy Onoh said, "because coming from where I’m from, not a lot of people get these opportunities. And a guy like coach Franklin, who’s built a pretty good Penn State football team, it’s a big deal for someone like that to see your potential and want to give you that opportunity. And that’s something I don’t take lightly."
"I remember my family cooked for him and coach Terry ," Payne said. "I also have six younger sisters. They didn’t shy away from my sisters. Their comfort level and confidence when they come to these homes and address the parents of recruits, I think it’s top notch. My sisters loved taking pictures with him. There are coaches who usually won’t take the time to know your siblings, and I feel like he took the time away from me to hang out with them and play with them.
“He came on a home visit, and my mom made sweet potato pie," cornerback Elliot Washington II said. "He liked it, and to this day he's still like, 'Hey, I need some sweet potato pie.' My mom's not up here right now, so I can't really get that to you, but I got you next time I go home.”Players usually say they trust their coaches , but how do they really know?
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penn State's James Franklin, Mike Rhoades to Headline Major NIL EventThe Nittany Lions coaches will meet fans and discuss the importance of NIL at an event in northeast Pennsylvania.
Read more »
Will James Franklin, Penn State finally crack College Football Playoff in 2024?With a 12-team College Football Playoff format, will James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions finally break through?
Read more »
Penn State found ‘friction' between coach James Franklin, team doctor; could not determine violationAn internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between football coach James Franklin and a now-former team doctor, but it could not…
Read more »
Penn State found 'friction' between coach James Franklin, team doctor; could not determine violationWarwick's Nolan Rucci made his debut in Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
Read more »
Penn State probe found no violations by James Franklin in team’s medical decisionsAn internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between the football coach and a now-former team doctor.
Read more »
Penn State found 'friction' between coach James Franklin, team doctor; could not determine violationAn internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between football coach James Franklin and a now-former team doctor. However, it could not determine whether Franklin violated NCAA rules or Big Ten standards by interfering with medical decisions.
Read more »