Franklin happy with development of PSU offense supporting cast

By foxsports
Published

Penn State football learned last year simply having a potential NFL quarterback and one of the nation's best defensive isn't enough to contend for a conference division title. 

This year Nittany Lions coach James Franklin figures to have those things at his disposal as well -- Christian Hackenberg is back as the aforementioned quarterback while All-Big Ten tackle Anthony Zettel leads the defense -- but hopes to see much more from the other 10 players on offense. 

Four starting linemen return, as do receivers DaeSean Hamilton, Geno Lewis and Chris Godwin. Running back Akeel Lynch has shown enough in small doses earlier in his career to create expectations he can be a feature back this fall, and youngsters have emerged to push the receivers and Lynch for playing time. 

"I think you look at our wide receivers, all those guys are back," told reporters in State College this week. "You know, the depth, the body types, the talent, the athleticism that we have, the understanding of the offense and their responsibilities, feel good about that." 

He's also optimistic about tight end, where sophomore Mike Gesicki has bulked up to become a better all-around player than he was as a highly recruited freshman mostly getting by on raw athletic ability last fall. 

"On our team he's a veteran, 255 pounds now," Franklin said. "(Gesicki) is much more confident in playing and fulfilling the complete role of a tight end." 

The coach sees as many as four players pushing Lynch for carries and hopes the offensive line will be able to set the table early this season after showing positive signs in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College. 

"They were really scrappy in that game and fought to find ways to allow the offense and Christian to have some success and we saw how that worked out," Franklin said. "So they're building on that."

Then there is also the matter of everyone having another year of studying coordinator John Donovan's offense. 

"I see Christian so much more relaxed and so much more confident right now as a player and as a leader because of that," Franklin said. "He's really taken control of the offense and that side of the ball. We've also spent a lot of time talking about our captains being the captains of our whole team and not just on offense and defensive special teams, but be willing to lead across this side of the ball as well."