FWIW: Will Fries’ Redshirt Situation Has James Franklin In A Bind

[step.eng69]

Will Fries’ Redshirt Situation Has James Franklin In A Bind
By David Abruzzese on November 15, 2016 at 5:36 am News

The Nittany Lions have reached an interesting point in their season. As one of the youngest teams in college football, they’ve far exceeded preseason expectations to reach No. 10 in the College Football Playoff Poll. With games against Rutgers and Michigan State standing between them and a potential Big Ten title shot, the unthinkable has slowly become reality.

But Penn State has an offensive line problem — and no, it’s quite different than the issue that’s plagued the program over the last few years. The issue is depth, and the cause is the injury bug. The Lions have lost starters Andrew Nelson for the year and Brendan Mahon in the last month, but saw freshman Connor McGovern go down along with senior starter Paris Palmer for an undisclosed amount of time. Against Indiana, redshirt freshman guard Ryan Bates slid to left tackle while Chasz Wright manned the opposite side. Fellow redshirt freshman guard Steven Gonzalez took over at Bates’ vacant position and held his own. That leaves true freshman Will Fries as the team’s best reserve tackle, but the matter becomes further complicated. James Franklin has raved about Fries in recent weeks, but stands firm in his decision to keep his redshirt untouched. This choice has presented quite the dilemma for the Lions.

Against Indiana, current starter Chasz Wright showed some promise, but struggled mightily against blitzes from the edge. Indiana defensive coordinator Tom Allen effectively disguised blitzes and did whatever else he needed to do to keep Trace McSorley’s pocket pressured and tight. Expect Rutgers and Michigan State to do much of the same, which is why it’s time to give the freshman a shot.

As a recruit, the four-star Fries fielded offers from just about every major program in the country. He sent the likes of Michigan, Clemson, and Wisconsin all packing to sign on with the Nittany Lions as one of the 2016 class’ most coveted offensive line prospects. But, if he’s going to potentially have an impact in a major game like the Big Ten Championship — and possibly beyond — he’s going to need in-game experience, which leaves Franklin with a difficult decision. Does he keep Fries sidelined to preserve an extra year of eligibility? Or does he play him now to put his team in the best spot to win, like Ole Miss did with its young quarterback Shea Patterson last week?

Time is running out for Franklin to make his choice. If he’s going to commit, allowing Fries to get snaps under his belt against Rutgers — a team the Lions should handle with ease — would be the best way to start. He’ll face much tougher competition in Michigan State in the regular season finale if he were to compete, meaning he’d have two games of action if all falls into place and the Lions are sent to Indianapolis to face likely Big Ten West champion Wisconsin.

Franklin’s remained adamant that he won’t be pulling Fries’ redshirt over the past few weeks, but circumstance may force his hand. The freshman might wind up being forced into action if Penn State’s linemen continue to fall at such a staggering rate. My money is on Fries making an appearance sooner rather than later.

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[uPBRmeASAP]

My guess on why this decision is so difficult is that the staff probably feels more comfortable with Bates at LT, but Gonzalez clearly is not ready at LG.

If they keep Bates at LT, they can still provide decent pass protection and let McSorley do his thing. However it really hurts the run game on the interior run blocking. Maybe they feel that protecting McSorley is the priority over having good run blocking, because we can still score 30+ points on the passing game alone.

I could accept this rationale. What I couldn't accept is if the decision is based solely on who plays LT in 2020 when we have a championship at stake in 2016.

 

[Nitt1300]

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

WW21GunsD

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

My guess on why this decision is so difficult is that the staff probably feels more comfortable with Bates at LT, but Gonzalez clearly is not ready at LG.

If they keep Bates at LT, they can still provide decent pass protection and let McSorley do his thing. However it really hurts the run game on the interior run blocking. Maybe they feel that protecting McSorley is the priority over having good run blocking, because we can still score 30+ points on the passing game alone.

I could accept this rationale. What I couldn't accept is if the decision is based solely on who plays LT in 2020 when we have a championship at stake in 2016.

I agree. Even if we can make it to the B1G Championship game, we would need our best available to beat likely B1G West winner Wisconsin. So, would you burn the 'ship then if it meant you could win? Or do you roll the dice in favor of the extra year? If you have a chance at the playoff, you have to burn it IMO. Might was well do it now.

 

[PSU87]

I guess I trust the staff.....but
If it's a difference between 10-2 and Citrus Bowl or 9-3 and Outback Bowl, you save the shirt.
If it's a difference between hanging the Big 10 Championship banner and not hanging the Big Ten championship banner, you burn the shirt.

 

[delcoLion]

Will Fries’ Redshirt Situation Has James Franklin In A Bind
By David Abruzzese on November 15, 2016 at 5:36 am News
[/QUOTE

As the article says, if another guy goes down, then there is no choice. There are 3, maybe 4 games left. That's enough to burn a RS, IMHO. 1 series, 1 half, no.

 

[NedFromYork]

I think it's simple, if he is the best of what is left and Mahon isn't expected back for MSU, with what is at stake you pull it. Not even a close call. If Mahon is going to be back for MSU I can see limping through Rutgers not pulling the shirt. I see where the redshirt this year would be nice with Nelson, Mahon, and Wright all having eligibilty left and presumably taking the bulk of snaps next year.

 

[Hedonist1]

Excuse me if I missed something along the way but what's going on with Mike Menet?

 

[PSUcup1]

If they feel he is ready & the best option IMO it makes literally zero sense to not play him given what's at stake

 

[colt21]

Excuse me if I missed something along the way but what's going on with Mike Menet?

he's moved up to 'varsity' and is listed on the depth chart. However, since they have more of a "need" on the "outside" and he is an "inside" guy, it is less likely they will use him - but they will if they have to

 

[Hedonist1]

Thanks for clarification.

 

[bwifan]

Excuse me if I missed something along the way but what's going on with Mike Menet?

Franklin just said Menet and Fries red shirt can be pulled and play them if needed. Said both players are good with which ever way the coaches decide. I think they are 1 injury away from pulling their red shirts. Fries would probably be pulled first since he is a true tackle. Having the option to move Bates back inside or put Fries at RT depending on the situation.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I think it's simple, if he is the best of what is left and Mahon isn't expected back for MSU, with what is at stake you pull it. Not even a close call. If Mahon is going to be back for MSU I can see limping through Rutgers not pulling the shirt. I see where the redshirt this year would be nice with Nelson, Mahon, and Wright all having eligibilty left and presumably taking the bulk of snaps next year.

I agree but change MSU to B10 title game. MSU's DL is all FR and SO, and Gonzalez/Bates works for that game.

 

[AWS1022]

If they feel he is ready & the best option IMO it makes literally zero sense to not play him given what's at stake

Not much is at stake if UM beats OSU, then you wasted his redshirt.

 

[Nitt1300]

I trust the staff, period. They know what's at stake, they know each player's situation. And they understand both better than we do.

 

[NewYC]

Will Fries’ Redshirt Situation Has James Franklin In A Bind
By David Abruzzese on November 15, 2016 at 5:36 am News

The Nittany Lions have reached an interesting point in their season. As one of the youngest teams in college football, they’ve far exceeded preseason expectations to reach No. 10 in the College Football Playoff Poll. With games against Rutgers and Michigan State standing between them and a potential Big Ten title shot, the unthinkable has slowly become reality.

But Penn State has an offensive line problem — and no, it’s quite different than the issue that’s plagued the program over the last few years. The issue is depth, and the cause is the injury bug. The Lions have lost starters Andrew Nelson for the year and Brendan Mahon in the last month, but saw freshman Connor McGovern go down along with senior starter Paris Palmer for an undisclosed amount of time. Against Indiana, redshirt freshman guard Ryan Bates slid to left tackle while Chasz Wright manned the opposite side. Fellow redshirt freshman guard Steven Gonzalez took over at Bates’ vacant position and held his own. That leaves true freshman Will Fries as the team’s best reserve tackle, but the matter becomes further complicated. James Franklin has raved about Fries in recent weeks, but stands firm in his decision to keep his redshirt untouched. This choice has presented quite the dilemma for the Lions.

Against Indiana, current starter Chasz Wright showed some promise, but struggled mightily against blitzes from the edge. Indiana defensive coordinator Tom Allen effectively disguised blitzes and did whatever else he needed to do to keep Trace McSorley’s pocket pressured and tight. Expect Rutgers and Michigan State to do much of the same, which is why it’s time to give the freshman a shot.

As a recruit, the four-star Fries fielded offers from just about every major program in the country. He sent the likes of Michigan, Clemson, and Wisconsin all packing to sign on with the Nittany Lions as one of the 2016 class’ most coveted offensive line prospects. But, if he’s going to potentially have an impact in a major game like the Big Ten Championship — and possibly beyond — he’s going to need in-game experience, which leaves Franklin with a difficult decision. Does he keep Fries sidelined to preserve an extra year of eligibility? Or does he play him now to put his team in the best spot to win, like Ole Miss did with its young quarterback Shea Patterson last week?

Time is running out for Franklin to make his choice. If he’s going to commit, allowing Fries to get snaps under his belt against Rutgers — a team the Lions should handle with ease — would be the best way to start. He’ll face much tougher competition in Michigan State in the regular season finale if he were to compete, meaning he’d have two games of action if all falls into place and the Lions are sent to Indianapolis to face likely Big Ten West champion Wisconsin.

Franklin’s remained adamant that he won’t be pulling Fries’ redshirt over the past few weeks, but circumstance may force his hand. The freshman might wind up being forced into action if Penn State’s linemen continue to fall at such a staggering rate. My money is on Fries making an appearance sooner rather than later.

An Added bonus to the article:
Nimra Mughal
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I think if they knew now that they will be playing in the conf champ game and possibly the final 4 they'd burn it. However, there's still a lot to be determined. If he doesn't play this week I don't think he plays this year. He can still get in 4 more games (if he plays against Rutgers) and even 5 if a miracle happens.

 

[step.eng69]

WW21GunsD

Hi Ziggy....poking around again?

 

[marshall23]

Hi Ziggy....poking around again?

Everyone is curious to hear 21 Puns on this issue?

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Given what's at stake? What's at stake in your head guys? .....

My rationale goes more like this. If Mahon cannot play and either one of these guys is ready, are good students and we need one or both of them, then it is next man up. If any of those criteria is a no....then it is a not next man up. If these guys are good students and are as good as billed on the playing field, they will not be around in 2020 anyway. All that is at stake otherwise here is purely hypothetical. The reasoning above regardless of what may or may be at stake, I think is sound.

 

[LemonEars]

Given what's at stake? What's at stake in your head guys? .....

My rationale goes more like this. If Mahon cannot play and either one of these guys is ready, are good students and we need one or both of them, then it is next man up. If any of those criteria is a no....then it is a not next man up. If these guys are good students and are as good as billed on the playing field, they will not be around in 2020 anyway. All that is at stake otherwise here is purely hypothetical. The reasoning above regardless of what may or may be at stake, I think is sound.

I have trouble seeing the downside of burning Fries's redshirt. If Mr. Fries is as great as we hope he probably would leave for the NFL after his junior year anyway. If he isn't that good then it doesn't matter if we waste a year of eligibility, we would likely have equal or better players available to replace him after his eligibility is spent. What am I missing here? It seems like an easy decision. Use him against Rutgers to give him experience and to make sure we win the Rutgers game. Then use him against MSU, Wisconsin, and the bowl game. Mr. Fries will be in great shape to start next year and will help us this year.

 

[NittanySteel]

The problem with the 'if it means hanging a B1G Championship banner or not' rationale is that we won't know if that'll be the case until it's too late. You have to make the decision now. You don't burn the shirt vs. MSU or in the B1G title or a playoff game.

You burn it now, knowing that there's a risk Michigan will win, or PSU might lose a game, and then miss the B1G title game entirely. After what happened this weekend, you go all in and if Fries gives you your best 5 at this point, you burn his shirt. Same goes for Menet.

 

[irncty]

I have trouble seeing the downside of burning Fries's redshirt. If Mr. Fries is as great as we hope he probably would leave for the NFL after his junior year anyway. If he isn't that good then it doesn't matter if we waste a year of eligibility, we would likely have equal or better players available to replace him after his eligibility is spent. What am I missing here? It seems like an easy decision. Use him against Rutgers to give him experience and to make sure we win the Rutgers game. Then use him against MSU, Wisconsin, and the bowl game. Mr. Fries will be in great shape to start next year and will help us this year.

Another thought would be that if Menet is more likely to be a starter next season and Fries is not, it may make sense to bring Menet in on the inside and keep Bates outside. That way, you burn Menet's RS but he still comes in and starts 3 seasons for you beginning next season. If you burn Fries RS and put Bates back inside and then Fries ends up playing some but not starting next season, then you pretty much burn two season's of Fries' vs. 1 season of Menet.

 

[LemonEars]

Another thought would be that if Menet is more likely to be a starter next season and Fries is not, it may make sense to bring Menet in on the inside and keep Bates outside. That way, you burn Menet's RS but he still comes in and starts 3 seasons for you beginning next season. If you burn Fries RS and put Bates back inside and then Fries ends up playing some but not starting next season, then you pretty much burn two season's of Fries' vs. 1 season of Menet.

Good idea. I was thinking that Fries is a superstar and would start next year for sure. If not, then your idea makes sense.

 

[ShinerTexas]

Based on Franklin's PC today it is more likely than not that he pulls Fries redshirt. JF said he will getting major reps in practice this week and Fries is cool with burning the reshirt. May come during the Rutgers game. I think they want a little more time to decide. Hopefully, it becomes apparent this Sat. night that it has to be done and therefore Fries has some reps before MSU.

 

[21Guns]

As I said, burn the shirt.

 

[Bobtown Bart]

I hope for your sake Gums Fries Redshirt is pulled! You've made 211 post on three boards about Fries Redshirt.In my opinion anyone that's put in that much time on something should be rewarded in some way?Your like 0-43 in your predictions,could this be the one you finally get right??????Time will tell.Gums if you put in as much time on something productive as you do on here you'd be a millionaire!Opps forgot your 6'4" ,235 lbs and bench 385 and also very rich,you the man Gums!

 

[GregInPitt]

Excuse me if I missed something along the way but what's going on with Mike Menet?

Nothing. Menet is a guard, and right now PSU needs OT's. But if your thinking that it would be better to play Menet instead of Gonzolez, not likely to burn Menet's redshirt when he has Dowrey and Gonzonez, and the potential for Bates to be back at guard if Mahon can come back this year.........

 

[GregInPitt]

I think it's simple, if he is the best of what is left and Mahon isn't expected back for MSU, with what is at stake you pull it. Not even a close call. If Mahon is going to be back for MSU I can see limping through Rutgers not pulling the shirt. I see where the redshirt this year would be nice with Nelson, Mahon, and Wright all having eligibilty left and presumably taking the bulk of snaps next year.

That is about what I believe as well. But we'll likely never know the true story due to CJF's tight lips regarding injuries.

The other info we don't know is how much progress that Jenkins has made in practice. Jenkins is a RS freshmen so if he could play as a backup against Rutgers and as you said if Mahon is likely to be back for MSU and a possible B10 championship game, then Fries definitely won't play. The same goes for Brosnan as he showed up on the DC this week just like Jenkins. Why not give Jenkins and Brosnan playing time against Rutgers and see how they do? When one of them is playing that could free up Bates to go back to guard which would give the OL it's starting interior in tact and likely lead to better run blocking. And Jenkins is reportedly a better run blocker than he is pass protector.....

On and on. Lots of things that we can conjecture, but I trust Limegrover and CJF to be all over it and no matter what they do I'm all in with their decision!!

 

[GregInPitt]

Another thought would be that if Menet is more likely to be a starter next season and Fries is not, it may make sense to bring Menet in on the inside and keep Bates outside. That way, you burn Menet's RS but he still comes in and starts 3 seasons for you beginning next season. If you burn Fries RS and put Bates back inside and then Fries ends up playing some but not starting next season, then you pretty much burn two season's of Fries' vs. 1 season of Menet.

I don't see the logic in burning Menet's redshirt when Menet is playing Guard and we need OT's. And I'd bet my pay check (not much, as I just retired) that CJF sees it the same way.

 

[irncty]

I don't see the logic in burning Menet's redshirt when Menet is playing Guard and we need OT's. And I'd bet my pay check (not much, as I just retired) that CJF sees it the same way.

I know we need tackles. I was just presenting another way of solving the problem. It sounds to me that Menet is a shoe-in to start next year. I'm assuming he is already better than Downey and Gonzo. By burning his redshirt and bringing him in at guard, you can leave Bates at tackle.

My concern was burning Fries redshirt for a game or two and then Fries goes back to #3 or #4 on the depth chart next year. This would essentially only give him two seasons as a starter.

 

[MtNittany]

If he's going to play at all, he needs to play on Saturday. A lot. The only wrong move is to not play him Saturday, THEN pull it and play him vs. MSU.

 

[psu1969a]

Will Fries’ Redshirt Situation Has James Franklin In A Bind
By David Abruzzese on November 15, 2016 at 5:36 am News

The Nittany Lions have reached an interesting point in their season. As one of the youngest teams in college football, they’ve far exceeded preseason expectations to reach No. 10 in the College Football Playoff Poll. With games against Rutgers and Michigan State standing between them and a potential Big Ten title shot, the unthinkable has slowly become reality.

But Penn State has an offensive line problem — and no, it’s quite different than the issue that’s plagued the program over the last few years. The issue is depth, and the cause is the injury bug. The Lions have lost starters Andrew Nelson for the year and Brendan Mahon in the last month, but saw freshman Connor McGovern go down along with senior starter Paris Palmer for an undisclosed amount of time. Against Indiana, redshirt freshman guard Ryan Bates slid to left tackle while Chasz Wright manned the opposite side. Fellow redshirt freshman guard Steven Gonzalez took over at Bates’ vacant position and held his own. That leaves true freshman Will Fries as the team’s best reserve tackle, but the matter becomes further complicated. James Franklin has raved about Fries in recent weeks, but stands firm in his decision to keep his redshirt untouched. This choice has presented quite the dilemma for the Lions.

Against Indiana, current starter Chasz Wright showed some promise, but struggled mightily against blitzes from the edge. Indiana defensive coordinator Tom Allen effectively disguised blitzes and did whatever else he needed to do to keep Trace McSorley’s pocket pressured and tight. Expect Rutgers and Michigan State to do much of the same, which is why it’s time to give the freshman a shot.

As a recruit, the four-star Fries fielded offers from just about every major program in the country. He sent the likes of Michigan, Clemson, and Wisconsin all packing to sign on with the Nittany Lions as one of the 2016 class’ most coveted offensive line prospects. But, if he’s going to potentially have an impact in a major game like the Big Ten Championship — and possibly beyond — he’s going to need in-game experience, which leaves Franklin with a difficult decision. Does he keep Fries sidelined to preserve an extra year of eligibility? Or does he play him now to put his team in the best spot to win, like Ole Miss did with its young quarterback Shea Patterson last week?

Time is running out for Franklin to make his choice. If he’s going to commit, allowing Fries to get snaps under his belt against Rutgers — a team the Lions should handle with ease — would be the best way to start. He’ll face much tougher competition in Michigan State in the regular season finale if he were to compete, meaning he’d have two games of action if all falls into place and the Lions are sent to Indianapolis to face likely Big Ten West champion Wisconsin.

Franklin’s remained adamant that he won’t be pulling Fries’ redshirt over the past few weeks, but circumstance may force his hand. The freshman might wind up being forced into action if Penn State’s linemen continue to fall at such a staggering rate. My money is on Fries making an appearance sooner rather than later.

An Added bonus to the article:
Nimra Mughal
Google pays you by just working 3 to 4 hours daily online from home and generate $10000+ per month. I recieved my last check $12980. I'm very happy to join this. For more information follow

Wright will get the needed preparation from film study and practice. He will do fine.

 

[DonP74]

We have much better material this year and a great coach in Limegrover.

 

[blion72]

Based on Franklin's PC today it is more likely than not that he pulls Fries redshirt. JF said he will getting major reps in practice this week and Fries is cool with burning the reshirt. May come during the Rutgers game. I think they want a little more time to decide. Hopefully, it becomes apparent this Sat. night that it has to be done and therefore Fries has some reps before MSU.

if they are going to use FR who currently are RS (Menet, Fries or other), i would assume it would be at Rutgers just because you need to start getting time with any players you move like this. Mahon and McGovern injury times appear to be unknown - i.e. would we even see them for MSU?

I trust the coaches to decide who is ready. From my POV the key thing driving their decision should be is that we need to win NOW, and there is no tomorrow. In other words, i hope they are not trying to project possible success in 2017 or 2018 into the equation. i am not a believer that this team will be able to improve on the current record next year. schedule and teams next year does not favor that idea.

If you are going to consider line-ups next year
Gaia, Dowery, Nelson, Wright, Palmer and Mahon all graduate this year. Nelson, Wright and Mahon may have 5th yr available, but they will have degrees, and unless they see themselves being healthy and no job prospects they may just move on in 2017.
From what we have heard Menet and Fries may already be better than any of these guys now. Also if they are as good as advertised, then we would not see them stick here for 5 years - gone with degree in 4 years and to NFL.

 

[10 Years After]

What i think will happen (not what should happen)....Fries sits against Rutgers. Whether he plays vs Sparty or not depends on who wins the OSU-MI. By kickoff PSU will know whether it has a chance to go to the B1G championship or not.

 

[psu_83_drummer]

If Gonzales is really not up to snuff at guard, why not let Laurent play center and move Gaia to guard?

 

[blion72]

What i think will happen (not what should happen)....Fries sits against Rutgers. Whether he plays vs Sparty or not depends on who wins the OSU-MI. By kickoff PSU will know whether it has a chance to go to the B1G championship or not.

as you said that should not happen. that is putting all the priority on redshirting players over the success of the team NOW. let me throw another log on the fire - our RBs and QBs are going to get hurt with this OL if we do not fix it now - meaning Rutgers.

 

[MtNittany]

What i think will happen (not what should happen)....Fries sits against Rutgers. Whether he plays vs Sparty or not depends on who wins the OSU-MI. By kickoff PSU will know whether it has a chance to go to the B1G championship or not.

What time is the IU/scUM game? They could know that by gametime.

 

[NittPicker]

I agree. Even if we can make it to the B1G Championship game, we would need our best available to beat likely B1G West winner Wisconsin. So, would you burn the 'ship then if it meant you could win? Or do you roll the dice in favor of the extra year? If you have a chance at the playoff, you have to burn it IMO. Might was well do it now.

Agree. The best case dream scenario is we will be playing at least four more games so it wouldn't be like the red shirts would be wasted by letting them do mop up duty. There is a path to the playoff, narrow as it may be. We need a UM loss which is a distinct possibility and also to win three games to get there and should pull out all stops. It would be different if we were 6-4.