James Franklin gives update on Penn State safety Jaylen Reed after recent car accident

Penn State football narrowly avoided a potentially devastating situation last weekend when standout safety Jaylen Reed was involved in a car accident. While he walked away from the incident rattled, the senior defensive back was ultimately unscathed and will be ready for Saturday’s first-round College Football Playoff matchup between the Nittany Lions and the SMU Mustangs.

“Well, what I would first like is for us not to share all of our business on social media so that this is even a discussion,” James Franklin said of the accident on Wednesday evening. “But at the end of the day, I’m glad Jay Reed is safe and healthy.”

On Friday night, Reed posted a now-deleted image on social media that showed the damage to the driver’s side of his vehicle. After initial reporting on the accident, Penn State football confirmed that the Nittany Lions safety had been uninjured in the crash.

“In some ways, I look at all these guys like my sons. I got a very close relationship with Jay Reed and his mom,” Franklin continued. “So, most important thing is he’s healthy. And I don’t mean just for football. He’s healthy and good. That’s the most important thing. And then obviously, we sure are glad that he’s full go and no issues.”

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The Nittany Lions’ leading tackler, Penn State football will need Jaylen Reed at full strength this weekend to keep its season alive. SMU comes into Saturday’s contest ranked No. 6 nationally in scoring and No. 20 yards per game. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings ranks 19th in the FBS with 3,050 passing yards this season.

© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

“Lamar [Jackson],” Franklin said when asked for a player comparison for Jennings. “We haven’t played the Baltimore Ravens. But that’s who he reminds me of. Athletic, can extend plays, can make big plays, does a really good job of keeping his eyes down the field. I think that’s his style of play.

“I don’t know if we have anybody else that we have played this year that’s similar to him. But his game really reminds me a lot of Lamar Jackson.”

Penn State football and SMU will face off on Saturday at noon inside Beaver Stadium. The winner will advance to play Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31.

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