James Franklin eyeing true freshman to ‘take advantage’ of opportunity vs Indiana

The Penn State football team is dealing with a few different injuries at defensive end. It’s a position that the Nittany Lions have a lot of depth at. Smith Vilbert was ruled out before the 2023 season kicked off. Then, during the Ohio State loss last Saturday Penn State lost Chop Robinson and Amin Vanover to injury. Neither of them are season-ending injuries; however, their statuses are unknown against Indiana. With that said it will be the next-man-up mentality. James Franklin specifically expects true freshman Jameial Lyons to take advantage of his opportunity.

James Franklin looking for this freshman to ‘take advantage’ of reps vs. Indiana

During his Wednesday night media availability after practice, Penn State football head coach James Franklin spoke about the opportunity for Jameial Lyons. As a true freshman, Lyons has shown his burst on the field with a devastating QB sack against Delaware. If Amin Vanover and/or Chop Robinson cannot go against Indiana, expect to see a heavy dose of Lyons. James Franklin had nothing but positive things to say about the young Penn State star.

Franklin said, “But we have played a ton of guys at defensive end. There’s also a young guy who we’ve been excited about who’s coming on is Jameial Lyons. So, that plays a part in it as well.” Franklin continued, “I think that’s a good example with Jameial. There’s also part of it too with high school or new transfer players are you playing them in certain packages? Or are they ready to handle all of it? And I think with Jameial early on we are going to use him in certain packages but not all of them.

“But as the season goes on you hope that he’s in a position where he can handle it more,” he continued. “Obviously, this week has been great work for him …but hopefully, he will get a chance to play on Saturday and take advantage of it. I think you guys have seen he’s made some flashes in the games he has played in and the same with practice. So, there’s excitement about him.”

Jameial Lyons could be the next star defensive end for Penn State, be sure to keep an eye on No. 19 on Saturday.

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