NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Takeaways from James Franklin’s Recruiting Hot Streak

Penn State Football, James Franklin

Penn State Football fans should remember Koa Farmer.

Linebacker, Las Vegas Raiders.

Started at Penn State.

Before that? From California.

Penn State Football, James Franklin
Penn State head coach James Franklin greets fans before the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in State College.

Penn State dipped into California again to land its current top-ranked commitment for 2025, 4-star cornerback Daryus Dixson, and its quarterback of the future in 4-star 2026 prospect Troy Huhn.

James Franklin has been gutsy in going after talent far and wide.

Penn State Football’s national hunt didn’t end there. Jayden Woods hails from Kansas, typically uncharted territory before the Nittany Lions hired former Kansas Jayhawks’ offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki in December. Franklin coached Woods’ father, Justin, in 2007 while he was Kansas State’s offensive coordinator.

Penn State also dipped into Texas for the first time in three recruiting cycles to land Max Granville, a native of Sugar Land who became the program’s highest-rated recruit from the Lone Star State.

The Nittany Lions bolstered their edge with Woods, Granville and Harris; all that’s left is to add some viable defensive tackles to round out Barnes’ line. Three-star lineman Randy Adiriki, a teammate of quarterback commit Bekkem Kritza, has been heavily tied to Penn State and could help address the issue.

<< BUY NEWEST PENN STATE GEAR >>


James Franklin Elevating Penn State Football Nationally

The takeaway is that Franklin, while still going after local and regional talent, boasting a 50 percent recruit success rate with in-state top talent, has absolutely gone full throttle on the national scene.

And is definitely having success.

In today’s new world of NIL and power conferences, regional focus has shifted. Of course, some recruits may decide to go somewhere else, somewhere closer to home.

But, you have to go after them, compete. And to compete nationally, you need to recruit nationally. So far, James Franklin has done a superb job.

MORE: Recapping Penn State’s Program-Altering Month of June

A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
Follow Brad
Penn State Football Reporter at NittanyCentral
Brad is versatile and accomplished in both photography and writing.

He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.

Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.

His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
Brad Kulp
Follow Brad
Takeaways from James Franklin’s Recruiting Hot Streak
Scroll to top