Penn State had an incredible season this year, one of the best they’ve had in a decade. Under the leadership of head coach James Franklin, the team achieved a 13-3 record, with only three losses, including a tough defeat against Notre Dame. With two of the top running backs in the country, Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, the Nittany Lions were a force to be reckoned with on the field.
However, amidst their success, there has been some controversy surrounding the team. And it all ties back to Franklin’s past at Penn State. Let’s take a closer look at how this has affected the team, particularly star quarterback Drew Allar.
Franklin’s arrival at Penn State in 2014 was met with high expectations. He was tasked with rebuilding a program that had been rocked by the Jerry Sandusky scandal. And he did just that, leading the team to a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and consecutive 11-win seasons in 2017 and 2018.
But there have been some bumps along the way. In 2019, Franklin was criticized for his handling of a player’s transfer request. He was accused of blocking the player from transferring to certain schools, leading to a public outcry and an NCAA investigation. While Franklin was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, the incident left a stain on his reputation.
Fast forward to this year, and Franklin finds himself in the midst of another controversy. Star quarterback Drew Allar, a highly touted recruit, has been involved in multiple off-field incidents, including a DUI and a physical altercation. This has raised questions about Franklin’s disciplinary measures and whether he is doing enough to keep his players in check.
Some critics have pointed to Franklin’s past at Penn State as a possible factor in Allar’s repeat offenses. They argue that Franklin’s leniency and lack of accountability towards his players may have contributed to Allar’s behavior.
But despite these controversies, one thing is clear – Franklin has turned Penn State’s football program around. He has brought in top recruiting classes and has consistently put a competitive team on the field. And let’s not forget, he has also prioritized academics, with the team boasting a graduation success rate of 90%.
Moreover, Franklin has been a positive influence on his players, both on and off the field. He has implemented a “no hazing” policy and has been an advocate for mental health awareness. He has also been actively involved in community service and has instilled a sense of responsibility and giving back in his players.
As for Allar, it’s important to remember that he is still a young athlete. While his actions are unacceptable and should be addressed, it’s also crucial to provide support and guidance to help him learn from his mistakes and become a better person.
In conclusion, James Franklin’s controversial past at Penn State should not overshadow the success he has brought to the football program. His leadership and dedication have elevated the team to new heights and have put them in the national spotlight once again. And while there may be some challenges along the way, Franklin’s commitment to creating a winning and responsible team will continue to drive the Nittany Lions towards success. Let’s give credit where credit is due and support our team as they strive for greatness. We are Penn State. We are proud. We are family.
