James Franklin Says Comment Regarding Saquon Barkley Was 'Misinterpreted'

Penn State is in Week 2 of spring football drills, and coach James Franklin said that the new coordinators are growing more comfortable with each practice period. The Nittany Lions get 15 field workouts, culminating with the April 13 Blue-White Game, to install a new offense and defense.

Following Tuesday's practice at Holuba Hall in State College, Franklin met with the media, discussing defensive coordinator Tom Allen's transition and a player who's hitting stride. Franklin also addressed last week's mini-kerfuffle regarding Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles and tampering. Here's the rundown.

Franklin says comment regarding Barkley was 'misinterpreted'

Evidently, Franklin touched off questions of tampering with his comments recently about Saquon Barkley's new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Franklin said that he spoke with Barkley about the signing, and Barkley mentioned that Penn State was part of Eagles GM Howie Roseman's pitch to the running back. That led to an allegation of tampering.

The Eagles denied it, and Barkley put the issue to rest at his introductory press conference in Philadelphia, saying that Franklin "kind of misinterpreted" their conversation and that all contact with the Eagles went through his agent. Franklin cleared the air from his perspective Tuesday when asked about the situation.

"I had a 10-minute conversation with Saquon and I just assumed and connected dots that weren't there," Franklin said. "All those conversations went through his agent. And obviously I made a comment for three minutes that was misinterpreted, but by no means was it how it was portrayed."

Tom Allen's defense 'playing with a ton of confidence'

Defensive coordinator Tom Allen has stepped into his new role confidently, which Franklin certainly expected. Allen has been a vocal presence at practice as he installs new defensive concepts while retaining the core components of Franklin's approach. And while carving a new space for himself as well.

"When you follow [former coordinator] Brent Pry, that’s challenging and you've got to come in with confidence and be comfortable in your own skin," Franklin said, referring to former coordinator Manny Diaz. "When you follow Manny Diaz, you've got to be confident with that and you've got to be comfortable in your own skin. In a very, very short period of time, the guys have connected with [Allen]. Right now, we're flying around and playing with a ton of confidence on defense, which is great to see."

The player making a spring move

Safety Zakee Wheatley was a standout redshirt freshman in 2022, playing in 12 games and generating three turnovers (two interceptions and a forced fumble). Wheatley played significantly last season but was behind starters Jaylen Reed and KJ Winston. On Tuesday, Franklin prominently referenced Wheatley as making a strong impression so far this spring, potentially competing for the vacant spot at nickel cornerback.

"I do think the combo of having [Jaylen] Reed and Zakee and KJ all on the field at the same time is exciting," Franklin said. "And Zakee right now is playing his best football by far. It's not us. It's just maturity. The light's gone on for him and he understands what he has to do on a consistent basis to be the type of player he wants to be."