Virginia Tech HC James Franklin has made a name for himself as one of the top coaches in college football. With his recent success at the program, it’s no surprise that he’s been making waves in the recruiting world. However, his latest move has caused quite a stir, as he took a subtle jab at his former team, Penn State, while celebrating his new recruits.
Franklin didn’t just land in Blacksburg, he crash-landed into chaos, sprinted through it, and somehow walked out with one of the hottest flip waves of the early signing period. And yes, he made sure everyone knew it. In a recent interview, Franklin couldn’t help but express his excitement and satisfaction with the recruiting class he was able to put together for Virginia Tech.
“Well, I must admit, I haven’t slept much, and I’m a little envious,” James Franklin said with a sly smile. It was clear that he was referring to his former team, Penn State, who has been struggling in his absence. While Franklin didn’t directly mention them, his words spoke volumes. It was a subtle yet effective way of reminding everyone that he is now with a program that is on the rise, while his former team is hitting rock bottom.
It’s no secret that Franklin left Penn State in a state of turmoil. The team was facing sanctions and had just lost their head coach, Bill O’Brien, to the NFL. Franklin stepped in and immediately turned things around, leading the Nittany Lions to back-to-back 11-win seasons and a Big Ten Championship in 2016. However, since his departure, the team has struggled to maintain that success and has failed to reach double-digit wins in the past three seasons.
Meanwhile, at Virginia Tech, Franklin has hit the ground running. In just his second season as head coach, he has already led the Hokies to a 9-4 record and a bowl game appearance. But it’s not just on the field where he’s making an impact. Franklin has also been making waves on the recruiting trail, landing some of the top prospects in the country.
One of his biggest flips came from highly-touted quarterback, Dematrius Davis. Davis was originally committed to Auburn but decommitted and chose Virginia Tech instead. This was a huge win for Franklin and the Hokies, as Davis is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country and could be a game-changer for the program.
But it’s not just about the top recruits. Franklin has also shown his ability to find hidden gems and develop them into top players. One example is linebacker, Dax Hollifield, who was a three-star recruit when he committed to Virginia Tech. Under Franklin’s guidance, Hollifield has become one of the top linebackers in the ACC and a leader on the Hokies’ defense.
Franklin’s success on the recruiting trail can also be attributed to his energetic personality and his ability to connect with players. He has a unique way of making every recruit feel like they are the most important player on his board. This has helped him build strong relationships with his recruits and their families, ultimately leading to their commitment to Virginia Tech.
While Franklin’s subtle jab at Penn State may have caused some controversy, it’s clear that he is focused on building a powerhouse program at Virginia Tech. He has already proven himself as a top coach and recruiter, and it’s only a matter of time before the Hokies are competing for national championships.
As for Penn State, they may be struggling now, but they can’t deny the impact that Franklin had on their program during his time there. He laid the foundation for their success and it’s up to the current coaching staff to continue that legacy. But for now, Franklin is focused on his new home and making sure that everyone knows he’s here to stay. And with the way he’s been flipping recruits, it’s safe to say that the Hokies are in good hands with James Franklin at the helm.