Penn State Sports Magazine
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ames Franklin appeared to be in his glory. At the head of the long table, with his assistants seated alongside, Franklin and the coaches welcomed 25 signees the morning of Feb. 5 in a fash- ion Penn State never had before. Five flat-screen televisions were sta- tioned opposite Franklin, and thanks to modern technology (i.e., iPhone Face- time) and video coordinator Jevin Stone, almost every recruit was wired through surround-sound speakerphone and had his face plastered on the largest TV for the entire room to hear and see. As Franklin congratulated the high school seniors one by one, he panned the camera phone around the room so they could see the chaos. In what is normally the upstairs lobby of the Lasch Building, more than 70 people crammed into what Franklin called the "war room." But with blue and white balloons lining the entrance and an omelet station in the back, it was anything but a military zone. As each commitment was announced, the coaches jumped to their feet to hug, high-five and party almost like they had won the lottery. Because maybe – even if it's just in one case – they had. The few dozen reporters and photog- raphers who were in attendance for an hour had some reason to revel, too. It was access to the Nittany Lion football program like never before. Between the war room, the afternoon press confer- ences and the evening's "Signature Event," we were able to gain valuable in- sight into the Class of 2014. For example, Mike Gesicki is consid- ered by the staff to be one of the biggest "gets" of the entire class. It seems doubtful that Gesicki redshirts this year after hearing discussions of him playing slot or a fifth wide receiver in certain sets – as well as at his natural tight end spot. They have big plans for Gesicki, and in the time that we spent with the staff, I heard Gesicki's name mentioned more times by more coaches than any other signee. Early enrollee De'Andre Thompkins likewise received high praise throughout signing day. They've seen early signs of his work ethic – he's been in Josh Gattis' office often "asking for playbook mate- rial," Gattis said – and the coaches have been impressed with his intelligence. Gattis, the wide receivers coach and of- fensive recruiting coordinator, said Thompkins is a candidate for a return position this fall. He added that all scholarship receivers must be ready to play special teams in 2014. In another instance, it was explained that Penn State will aim to recruit two quarterbacks in almost every class. If possible, the Nittany Lions would like to bring in a prototypical QB, like Michael O'Connor, as well as an athlete/dual- threat QB, like Trace McSorley. This year's model can serve as a model – just another reason to celebrate. "We're going to recruit great quarter- backs every year," Gattis said. "That's our motto. We want to go out and sign the best quarterbacks every year." Back in the day, the staff's recruiting philosophy was next to impossible to lock down. Now, for the most part, it's openly shared. Openly shared just like the war room. And that provided a chance to see Franklin in his natural habitat. So often, his recruiting ability is written and spoken about; this was a rare chance to see it live. Conversations with each signee were personal, unscripted and cordial, yet flowing with enthusiasm – like they had known each other for years but are fi- nally about to reunite. Before hanging up, a coach would say, "Say hi to your uncles for me!" or "Hit ya up later!" Then it was onto the next signee. As soon as they connected phone lines with the next prospect, the cele- bration started all over again. Each just as energetic as the last. Twenty times over again – linebacker Jason Cabinda was the first, Marcus Allen the last– and five more for the early enrollees. If these coaches get this fired up about winning over recruits who have yet to play a down of college football, then how emotional will they be following an actual game-day win? Time will tell, but if their success along the recruiting trail is indicative, there should be plenty of samples with which to judge. Franklin accomplished more than many thought he would in his first month on the job, hauling in players from California, Alabama and Florida – players who, without his presence, would never have considered Penn State. But, as Franklin certainly knows, proven by his back-to-back nine-win seasons at Vanderbilt, recruiting is only half the battle in coaching college foot- ball. Now that his recruits have signed on the dotted line, and with spring practice looming on the horizon, the staff focuses inward on the players al- ready on the roster. If there are to be comparisons of Franklin's postgame celebrations this year with those on signing day, it is up to the 95 players on the current roster to make it happen. On signing day with each recruit who was announced, Franklin and his assis- tants, most of whom are under 40 years years old, whooped, hollered and cheered like they had just scored a touchdown – or 25 of them. It was an exciting day, no doubt. But now the real fun begins. ■ L A S T W O R D T I M O W E N | O W E N . T I M . B W I @ G M A I L . C O M The fun is just beginning J