On Franklin: "he loves Penn State and being head coach. Paterno would be proud"

[Judge Smails]

Penn State graduate and former Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler met Nittany Lions football coach James Franklin when he threw out the first pitch at Citizens Bank Park a few weeks ago.

Wheeler was impressed with Franklin, even to the point of mentioning Penn State's late, legendary coach.

"He is exactly as he appears. A magnetic personality who takes over the room," Wheeler said of Franklin. "And he loves Penn State and being head coach. The program is in very good hands. I think Joe (Paterno) would be proud."

During his visit to the Phillies stadium, Franklin enjoyed a "Fathead" poster featuring Wheeler that was designed by current Phillies play-by-play man Tom McCarthy. It was shown on a Phillies broadcast a few weeks ago in honor of Wheeler's birthday.

"The poster you saw was a 'Fathead' designed by the irrepressible prankster Tom McCarthy," Wheeler said. "Tom loves to have a good time, especially at my expense. But it's all in good fun. Several years ago, he created one for my birthday with my head on Chase Utley's body. Luckily Utley never saw it. At least I think he didn't!"

"This time he somehow superimposed me atop (former Penn State kicker) Sam Ficken's No. 97 uniform. The Penn State coaches visited Citizens Bank Park a few weeks ago and Coach Franklin got a big kick out it. He took one look, then looked at me and said, 'that's you!'"

 

[fairgambit]

Certainly on all we've seen to date I agree Joe would be proud. He still needs to win football games and I believe he will. Happy Days are here again.

 

[BobPSU92]

I. AM. OUTRAGED.

 

[BobPSU92]

Seriously, Franklin is all class. The wins will come. He's the right guy.

 

[nitanee123]

A former sPitt player came into my office about a month ago and said that he heard rumblings that some people at PennState dont' like Franklin and are getting tired of his antics (whatever those may be). That may or may not be true. But I soon realized he was delusional and probably full of crap regarding Franklin when he said that sPitt is going to wipe the floor with PSU next year. And he also said that Narduzzi will be a lifer at pItt.

 

[fairgambit]

A former sPitt player came into my office about a month ago and said that he heard rumblings that some people at PennState dont' like Franklin and are getting tired of his antics (whatever those may be). That may or may not be true. But I soon realized he was delusional and probably full of crap regarding Franklin when he said that sPitt is going to wipe the floor with PSU next year. And he also said that Narduzzi will be a lifer at pItt.

I don't think there is a major college in the country, including Alabama and Ohio State, where some people don't like the head football coach. It comes with the territory. I know a number of people who were not happy with the Franklin hire and have since been won over.

 

[Cletus11]

I hated Wheeler for years when he worked with Harry Kalas and Ashburn. But in his last few years, I thought he finally got a lot better and stopped overanalyzing things so much. Now listening to McCarthy and the other color guys Phillies have gone through the last few years, I long for the days of Wheeler.

 

[lionlurker]

The more the sPitters hate Franklin, the happier I am.

 

[psuro]

A former sPitt player came into my office about a month ago and said that he heard rumblings that some people at PennState dont' like Franklin and are getting tired of his antics (whatever those may be). That may or may not be true. But I soon realized he was delusional and probably full of crap regarding Franklin when he said that sPitt is going to wipe the floor with PSU next year. And he also said that Narduzzi will be a lifer at pItt.

I heard the same thing, and it was mostly from players who chose to leave early for the NFL draft. But, not every player is going to be happy with the head coach, and that is just the way it goes.

 

[bxle]

Franklin has a lot of energy, is a very good communicator, is good with the media (social and otherwise) and is a very good recruiter. Most importantly, has done a great job representing PSU.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

If you hear of unhappiness with Franklin from a Penn Stater, there's a good chance it's true. If you hear it from a Pitt fan, there's a good chance that it is his hope.

 

[psuro]

One of the complaints I heard about Franklin from a non player is that he is surrounding himself with "yes" men. And he only brought coaches from Vandy that would agree with him and not stand up to him.

Take it for what it's worth. Does not mean I don't like the guy any less.

 

[lionlurker]

One of the complaints I heard about Franklin from a non player is that he is surrounding himself with "yes" men. And he only brought coaches from Vandy that would agree with him and not stand up to him.

Take it for what it's worth. Does not mean I don't like the guy any less.

I've heard that the people who run the BOT do the same thing. Doesn't mean I like them any more.

 

[robbrunskill]

A former sPitt player came into my office about a month ago and said that he heard rumblings that some people at PennState dont' like Franklin and are getting tired of his antics (whatever those may be). That may or may not be true. But I soon realized he was delusional and probably full of crap regarding Franklin when he said that sPitt is going to wipe the floor with PSU next year. And he also said that Narduzzi will be a lifer at pItt.

A lot of players did not like Joe Pa the drill sergeant and classroom Nazi until they got their degrees, had a big house, successful career, were President of the Jaycees and all of their children made deans list in college. To each his own I guess.

 

[Nittany Security]

I heard CJF is Illuminati and killed Jimmy Hoffa. Just sayin

 

[psuro]

I heard CJF is Illuminati and killed Jimmy Hoffa. Just sayin

OMG, I JUST heard the same thing! I also heard he is the reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix.

 

[zwick99]

OB could not wait to jump ship. Franklin is not leaking stories to Dave Jones either.

 

[kgilbert78]

And he also said that Narduzzi will be a lifer at pItt.

Wouldn't that be a life sentence??

 

[nitanee123]

I'm sure there are people who don't like/agree with Franklin. Frankly, I could care less what they think. So long as Franklin brings back 'Success with Honor', he's okay in my book.

 

[Judge Smails]

One of the complaints I heard about Franklin from a non player is that he is surrounding himself with "yes" men. And he only brought coaches from Vandy that would agree with him and not stand up to him.

Take it for what it's worth. Does not mean I don't like the guy any less.

I thought there was only 1 or 2 coaches he didn't bring from Vandy?

 

[Colorado Man]

One of the complaints I heard about Franklin from a non player is that he is surrounding himself with "yes" men. And he only brought coaches from Vandy that would agree with him and not stand up to him.

Take it for what it's worth. Does not mean I don't like the guy any less.

He had success at Vandy, so why wouldn't he bring those coaches with him? A coach listens to all input, but is ultimately responsible for decisions.

 

[BBG65]

So far, there is a lot to like about Franklin. Maybe, in a couple of years, he may grow warts, but right now, I don't see how anyone could complain. We all know on the Pitt boards, JF is the snake oil salesman, rape enabler and a lousy coach, while Narduzzi is the second coming. I think the future of PSU football in Franklin's hands is very bright.

 

[njlion73]

Quite honestly I couldn't care less what Pitt fans or any other fans except Penn State fans think of Coach Franklin. The recruits and Penn Staters have the only opinion about Franklin that matters. Based on the results to date, there is no question what the recruits think. Based on the atmosphere you can feel building, it seems most Penn State fans are also very happy with Coach Franklin. He obviously needs to win some games and I see nothing to indicate that won't happen. It's been quite a while since I have been this excited for the season to start.

 

[lionlurker]

I do care what Pitt fans think. The more they hate us, and JF, the more success we are having. It's a true barometer.

 

[T J]

I do care what Pitt fans think. The more they hate us, and JF, the more success we are having. It's a true barometer.

I'll have what Franklin is serving...

Current Team Rankings 2016 Recruiting

#7
Penn State

19 total recruits
10 4-stars
8 3-stars

3.47 team avg
1923 total points


#71
Pittsburgh

9 total recruits
1 4-star
6 3-stars

2.89 team avg
570 total team points

=======

PS - The rules changed somewhat, but depending on the distribution of points with other teams, about 2,300 may be ballpark top ten. Franklin is doing very well so far.​

 

[T J]

I'll have what Franklin is serving...

Current Team Rankings 2016 Recruiting

#7
Penn State
19 total recruits
0
10 4-stars
8 3-stars
3.47 team avg
1923 total points


#71
Pittsburgh
9 total recruits
0
1 4-star
6 3-stars
2.89 team avg
570 total team points

=======

PS - The rules changed somewhat, but depending on the distribution of points with other teams, about 2,300 may be ballpark top ten. Franklin is doing very well so far.

Plus, PSU's avg is pulled down a bit because punters and kickers generally get lower stars. But, PSU got two very highly ranked specialists, who really address a big need. So, a fair evaluation may score Penn State even higher, if matching needs with talent was considered.... imo

 

[royboy]

Coach Franklin also threw out the first pitch at the game, and I don't think I've ever seen a celebrity throw a better first pitch. Had some velocity.

 

[Ian]

I just clicked on the above Pitt link and this is literally what I got when connected to the page!

" The selected team does not have a football program. Select a different team from the menu above, or use the provided link to switch to basketball."

 

[kgilbert78]

Coach Franklin also threw out the first pitch at the game, and I don't think I've ever seen a celebrity throw a better first pitch. Had some velocity.

Senator Jim Bunning and Bush 43 at different Opening Day's in Cincy??

 

[EPC FAN]

I hated Wheeler for years when he worked with Harry Kalas and Ashburn. But in his last few years, I thought he finally got a lot better and stopped overanalyzing things so much. Now listening to McCarthy and the other color guys Phillies have gone through the last few years, I long for the days of Wheeler.

I never ever thought I would miss Wheeler, but Stairs and Jamie Moyer ended that. I like Mike Schmidt in small doses, but Wheeler beats them all. I guess that old adage, "don't ask for something, you might get it" applies here.