Their intros to Penn State football: The time James Franklin tackled one of his players…

King Mack remembers the Penn State football practice moment well, some seven months later.

How could he not?

The day head coach James Franklin tackled one of his players …

Mack was one of more than 20 second-year Nittany Lions Tuesday doing their first official media interviews since arriving on campus.

Some played key backup roles last year, like linebacker Tony Rojas, offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh and defensive end Jamieal Lyons. Most, like Mack, were simply special teamers and practice-hard guys waiting their turns.

James Franklin was praised by his second-year players on Feb. 13, 2024 for his passion, his honesty and reliability. And his tackling ability? They shared their best coach stories at Penn State …

It seems likely, though, that after a year of growing and learning, at least a few will find starring roles this coming season.

Mack, a speedy, fierce-flying safety, could well be one.

So who are these guys?

Let’s start with their best Franklin stories:

King Mack, safety

Penn State safety King Mack (9) tackles Delaware running back Saeed St. Fleur during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa.

Mack recalls a particular practice from last August — starring 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end Amin Vanover:

“We were doing two-minute drill, offense vs. defense. Offense, they throw a pick and defense catches it,” Mack said. “Amin catches the pick and he starts running. Mind you, two minutes, if you catch an interception, get down as fast as you can.

“(But) he starts running and tries to return it and all you see is Coach Franklin running from all the way across the field: ‘Stop! Get on the ground, get on the ground!’ He blows the whistle … and he ends up tackling Amin. He literally tackles him.

“After practice he was like, ‘Listen guys, you have to be smarter. Two…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/intros-penn-state-football-time-090439882.html

Author : York Daily Record

Publish date : 2024-02-14 09:04:39

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