James Franklin gushes over unexpected breakout freshman performance as Penn State notches blowout win
The Penn State Nittany Lions struggled to generate a consistent passing game against FIU in Week 2, but the rest of the team looked the part of one of the nation’s elite programs. Winning 34-0 against a lower-tier program isn’t a major notch in the belt of a team hoping to win the Big Ten […]
The Penn State Nittany Lions struggled to generate a consistent passing game against FIU in Week 2, but the rest of the team looked the part of one of the nation’s elite programs. Winning 34-0 against a lower-tier program isn’t a major notch in the belt of a team hoping to win the Big Ten and win the title, but the details along the way can add up.
For James Franklin to get Penn State over the hump, guys like Chaz Coleman must be difference-makers. The four-star pass-rusher from Warren, OH, was the true freshman of the game, creating a major buzz with two tackles for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble.
Here’s what Franklin had to say about Coleman, and what the Nittany Lions can expect from him.
Penn State rallies against FIU as freshman stars
“You guys are starting to see what we saw in camp. He wasn’t even here for spring ball, so I think you’re going to just see him continue to take significant strides. But he is quick, he’s twitchy, he’s athletic.”
Coleman created a lot of buzz in the preseason and training camp periods, so it’s telling that he’s quickly found a role as a third pass-rusher on this defense. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has been able to learn from Dani Dennis-Sutton and fifth-year senior Zuriah Fisher. We’ll see if this will lead to a greater workload for Coleman as the season progresses, since Penn State has routinely used three rushers on the field.
Allen Trieu of 247Sports wrote this about Coleman’s game as a prospect, comparing him to Harold Landry of the Tennessee Titans.
“Multi-faceted athlete who has played quarterback, tight end, linebacker and defensive end. Athleticism shows up in basketball also where he is a high-flying and impactful dunker. Projects most likely as a defensive prospect. Closes fast at that position, has agility and ability to bend the corner as a pass rusher. Comfortable in space, can drop into coverage and also play as a more traditional linebacker. Still has a lot of room for growth and physical development. Fits very well as the type of hybrid defender who never has to come off the field and can line up in several spots depending on scheme and package. Came into his own late in his high school career and may need a moment to adjust to the college level and develop technically, but has an extremely high ceiling.”
