Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke to reporters ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Nevada. In a surprising twist, the 53-year-old was much more transparent about the depth chart than he usually is with the media.
The most notable announcement from Monday’s press conference regarded the starting strong safety spot. Instead of dancing around the position battle, Franklin firmly named redshirt freshman Antoine Belgrave-Shorter the starter alongside Zakee Wheatley.
“There probably weren’t a lot of conversations going on about Belgrave-Shorter outside the Lasch Building,” Franklin revealed. “He led us in interceptions and turnovers in training camp. He’s been very, very consistent about how he’s gone about his business. He has earned that spot.”
Heading into fall camp, sophomore Dejuan Lane and junior transfer King Mack seemed to be in a two-man race for the starting SS job. Thanks to a strong finish to camp, Belgrave-Shorter jumped up the depth chart and grabbed the starting spot in the secondary.
