With three games left in the regular season and Game 10 on the horizon, Franklin said it’s time for his practice time to be cut back this year.
This includes reducing shaving time, number of repetitions (especially for beginners), and time on full pads.
Franklin called it this “Gradually reduce” He added that it’s important that all staff members, from coordinators to position coaches to strength staff, are on the same page.
“And as a head coach, what I have to make sure is that everyone is doing it.” he said. “Because the position coach doesn’t want to give up any of his time. He wants the strength coach to cut it down. We want to get out there. So we’re all on the same page and doing what’s in the best interest of Penn State and the players.”
At the same time he also said: “At the end of the day, you still need a rep to make sure you’re ready to play the game.”
scouting purdue
The Boilermakers are struggling.
After opening the season with a win over Indiana State, they lost eight straight and are now at the bottom of the 18-team Big Ten.
In top-five matchups, they lost a shutout to Ohio State (45-0) in Columbus last week and a shutout loss at home to Oregon State (35-0).
The most competitive conference games were the overtime game against Illinois (50-49) and the home game against Northwestern (26-20).
Walters was the defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois in 2021, when the University of Illinois came to Beaver Stadium and defeated the Lions in nine overtimes.
“We obviously know his background very well.” Franklin said. “He did a phenomenal job at the University of Illinois.”
Walters, now in his second season at Purdue, is drawing attention to the Boilermakers’ offensive play.
“As a defensive player, that’s both impressive and a challenge.” Assistance from Franklins.
Purdue is in a transition period, having acquired more than 30 players through the transfer portal.
alignment
Franklin spent much of his first decade at Penn State lobbying for better facilities.
He has remained silent on the issue in recent years, in part because he feels the school is doing better.
“Thank you for all your work over the past 11 years.” he said. “When I first came here, it was a battle…so I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made. I would like to thank my 11 years of board leadership here, as chairman and I am very grateful.”
He works particularly well with President Neeli Bendapudi, Athletic Director Pat Craft and Trustee Matt Schuyler, who will soon be replaced by David Kleppinger.
“We (now) have the level of support that I think this place needs and should have.” Franklin said.
defensive defection
Senior defensive tackle Hakeem Beamon, who started 18 career games but didn’t play in a game this year, has left the program, Franklin confirmed.
“I love Hakeem. I love his mom. It’s probably been over seven years since the high school recruiting process, and there have been ups and downs, twists and turns, smiles, tears, and everything in between.” he said.
He believes Beamon has graduated.
In Beamon’s place, Alonzo Ford will continue to get snaps behind starters Zane Durant and Do’Von J. Thomas and top reserve Koziah Izard.
“They are veteran players who have played a lot of football for us.” Franklin said. “We need them to continue to play well as other players continue to develop. But I would also consider Alonzo a veteran player for us.”
worthy of attention
• Franklin classified tailback Nick Singleton’s injury as follows. “short term,” However, his status at Purdue will be unknown until later this week. Singleton did not play in the second half of last week’s game against Washington.
• Franklin called a holding penalty that negated Singleton’s 97-yard kickoff return. “It’s a fair judgment.”
• The coach said: “feel” Washington doesn’t get home until 7 a.m. Saturday and will face UCLA this Friday. Franklin wondered if this short turnaround was worth it. “It’s in the Big Ten’s best interest.”
• Kickoff for the Nov. 23 game against Minnesota was announced Monday on CBS at 3:30 p.m.
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