James Franklin is losing sleep in the summer so he doesn't have to in the fall. USA Today's Paul Myerberg reports that after a tedious day in the office, Franklin meshes two couches together in the facility and doses off.
Franklin's work ethic with a blend of offseason arrivals and blossoming young talent will escalate Penn State into a Big Ten title contender.
Franklin is a salesman. Aside from coaching football, he can recruit. Franklin persuaded seven 4-star recruits to join Penn State, according to ESPN. That ranks fourth-best in the country. It's even more astounding his success at recruiting came without even coaching a game at Penn State yet.
Some of the young talent Franklin accumulated will see significant playing time. De'AndreThompkins, Troy Reeder and SaeedBlacknall should start from the first day. Expect a few other incoming players to make an impact as well from this extravagant recruiting class.
The development of young talent from the previous year will be apparent in 2014. The key to Franklin's offense, quarterback Christian Hackenberg, is coming off a stellar season. Wining Big Ten Freshman of the Year, he accumulated nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. With Adam Breneman returning and the addition of Thompkins and Blacknall, look for Hackenberg to build on those numbers.
The defense is stacking talent as well.
Most of Penn State's defensive line and secondary are returning. Anthony Zettel will fill the void DaQuan Jones left at defensive tackle. Adrian Amos is being moved from cornerback to safety to quarterback the defense. The only question mark for the Nittany Lions on defense is at linebacker. Fortunately, a strong recruiting class should mask this problem.
To bring all of this talent together and translate it into success is up to Franklin. With strong persistence and desire, Franklin's coaching style will emulate the success Penn State will see in the Big Ten. Franklin told Myerberg, "My greatest strength is my passion and drive. My greatest weakness is my passion and drive."
Franklin's passion and drive is already gaining notice by young recruits and Penn State University. The incoming recruiting class, an ample amount of returning talent and Franklin's work ethic will create a monster in the Big Ten.
Once the Big Ten title is brought to Penn State, maybe Coach Franklin will finally be able to rest at ease in his own bed.
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