Franklin, Diaz Address Goals and Improvements as Spring Ball Continues
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With the annual Blue-White Game on the horizon, Holuba Hall buzzed with activity on Wednesday evening with drills and interval training.
Notable names looking to return to the turf soon are defensive end Adisa Isaac, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher and offensive lineman Saleem Wormley. All three suffered injuries in the 2021 season and their conditions are being continually evaluated by medical personnel.
Wormley’s performance in early August 2021 placed him in discussions for starting left guard, so losing Wormley was a “significant loss” to Penn State’s depth, according to head coach James Franklin.
Wormley’s return breathes new life into Penn State’s outlook on its offensive line possibilities.
“We’re thin on the O line right now. It may impact our spring game a little bit so having him back obviously really helps,” Franklin said.
The departure of 15 former Nittany Lions looking to the 2022 NFL Draft illuminated edge pressure as an improvement point for Linebacker U.
Among its edge rushers, Smith Vilbert and Nick Tarburton are two names fresh in the program’s mind based on recent production. Vilbert’s three sacks at the Outback Bowl and Tarburton’s combination of speed and technical prowess in spring practices indicate progress but also provide the platform to clean up consistency issues.
Tarburton, along with veterans Mustipher and safety Ji’Ayir “Tig” Brown round out the list of athletes mentioned by Franklin as prominent leaders within their positions.
Franklin acknowledged that improving roster depth while juggling recruitment and transfer portal evaluations is a strategic balance for the Blue and White.
“Hopefully our culture here provides an opportunity for both of us to solve problems in the transfer portal [and] be able to develop long-term as well,” Franklin said.
New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz discussed his adjustment to Penn State as well as his observations as linebackers coach since being hired in December 2021.
Since arriving in Happy Valley, Diaz’s position has allowed him to return to his role as a teacher in the linebacker room and build relationships with his players.
Linebackers Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King were two standouts to the former University of Miami head coach. The pair is credited with nine total tackles in the 2021 season.
“I anticipate this being a battle of competition,” Diaz said.
Another linebacker under Diaz’s watch, sophomore Curtis Jacobs, emphasized the importance of spring football and its opportunity to establish and identify leaders on the roster. Jacobs said that his own experience as a freshman in spring 2021 helped him make an impression on the coaching staff.
Jacobs said his goals for the end of the spring football season revolve around “chasing perfection from an execution standpoint” in terms of his pre-snap and post-snap duties and ability to hone his skills with Diaz as a new leader.
While the turnover of graduating seniors and NFL prospects shakes up the typical lineups, Diaz affirmed that Penn State Football’s “Unrivaled” standard is unaffected. He praised Penn State’s coaching staff, analysts and off-the-field personnel for taking a hands-on role in the program’s development.
“It’s not about one guy, it’s about a staff,” Diaz said. “We’ve got a good team in that room.”
Emma Holtz is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email exh5337@psu.edu
