James Franklin: Penn State football QB’s availability impacted for fall camp

According to James Franklin, the Penn State football team will continue to be down a quarterback as they enter preseason camp. On Wednesday, Franklin spoke during Big Ten Media Days and confirmed that redshirt freshman Nittany Lion quarterback Jaxon Smolik will miss the beginning of preseason camp according to Lions247.

Jaxon Smolik was a player on the rise as the Nittany Lions entered fall camp last season. James Franklin even labeled Smolik as the “surprise of fall camp” in 2023. However, as many expected Smolik to take the next step in his development, he suffered an injury this past spring.

Ryan Snyder of On3 first reported the undisclosed injury on March 29, later it was confirmed by James Franklin on April 9. Following a practice this spring Franklin provided an update.

“Yeah, he’s got a significant injury,” Franklin said. “He’ll be out for a period of time. And we’ll see.”

On Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days, Tyler Donohue of Lions247 provided an additional update from James Franklin on Smolik’s status. Donohue shared the update from Franklin on Twitter / X.

He indicated that Smolik is “working through his recovery process.” He also added that this will “impact his availability for preseason camp.”

James Franklin says redshirt QB Jaxon Smolik is still working through his recovery process after an unspecified spring injury, impacting his availability for preseason camp.

That means more QB3 work for freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer behind Drew Allar and Beau Pribula.

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) July 24, 2024

Franklin provides an update on two Penn State defenders

Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Jaxon Smolik wasn’t the only Penn State football player who dealt with injuries this spring. Linebacker Keon Wylie and defensive end Zuriah Fisher also faced injuries. Both players were expected to be “out indefinitely.”

Tyler Donohue first reported the injury news for Keon Wylie on May 8. While Fisher’s injury was reported on June 20 by Sean Fitz of On3.

However, Donohue provided an update on Wednesday from James Franklin that both players are expected to “return for on-field action this year.” Depth is key for any championship-contending team, especially late in the season, so if Penn State can get both players back the defense should see a significant boost.

Another Penn State injury update from James Franklin: He expects defensive end Zuriah Fisher and linebacker Keon Wylie to return for on-field action this year.

Both suffered injuries this spring and were ruled out for a significant amount of time. Two key depth pieces.

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) July 24, 2024

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