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PSU Head Coach James Franklin Is Ready To Get Started

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan)- Penn State head coach James Franklin joined "The Cook and Poni Show" on Tuesday morning.

Franklin and his staff are gearing up for their first spring practice on March 17. The Penn State Blue/White Game is on April 12.

Franklin tells the guys that he is excited to get out there and have a chance to get started.

"We just want to lay the expectations of the foundation we want at Penn State," Franklin said. "This is our first chance to let them hear the message of what we want."

Franklin says it helps to have a franchise quarterback in the mix like Christian Hackenberg, but it's going to take more than just him to win.

"No doubt we have a significant piece to the puzzle," Franklin said. "But, we need to surround him with the talent to be successful."

Franklin says he still gets concerns from every parent about the sanctions at Penn State, but it's more because they just want to be educated on it.

"It has not hurt us," Franklin said. "The tradition history, facilities and our location have been enough."

He says he also has to continue to fight the questions about he and his staff leaving for the NFL if they are successful, but he says it doesn't make sense.

"We had three or four opportunities in the NFL that we turned down to take this job," Franklin said. "I think that shows what our feelings and intentions are."

Franklin says his team will face challenges opening in Dublin, Ireland against Central Florida, but he is happy for the kids to get that experience and it will help in recruiting.

Listen to the full interview here:

Penn State Head Coach James Franklin Is Ready To Get Started

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