Franklin added that Penn State has modified the veteran players’ reps “even more so” and is trying to be more strategic with “time on feet” and having specific plans for “proven commodities.” He also said what the staff is doing this offseason is very similar to what it did with Olu Fashanu two years ago.

The Penn State Nittany Lions took another big step forward in their development under head coach James Franklin last season, making the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff's final four before losing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a close,

The CFP then expanded to 12 teams last season, and Penn State made it as the sixth seed. Franklin led the squad to wins over SMU and Boise State in the first two rounds, respectively, before the 27-24 loss to the Fighting Irish.