Penn State Notebook: Terry Smith happy for James Franklin, worries about poaching

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith has spoken often with former Nittany Lions coach James Franklin since his dismissal last month.

Although Smith was unable to watch Franklin be introduced Wednesday as Virginia Tech’s new coach, he said Wednesday night after practice that he’s “really happy” for his former boss.

“In this industry, we all go through highs and lows,” Smith said. “At some point, if you’re coaching, you’re going to get fired. I’m just happy for him and his family to bounce back so soon.”

Franklin hired Smith as part of his first Penn State staff in 2014. Smith was asked if there’s a possibility that he will join Franklin’s staff with the Hokies.

“Anything’s a possibility,” he said. “Nothing matters about those possibilities except us playing this weekend (against Nebraska). I love the game of football. I will be coaching the game of football on Saturday and God willing next Saturday.

“Then after that, we’ll let business take care of business. All that matters is that we have to beat Nebraska on Saturday (at 7 p.m. at Beaver Stadium).”

Franklin poses a threat to Penn State no matter who the permanent head coach will be. He likely will pursue high school seniors who initially committed to Penn State and players on the current roster.

“The immediate threat is taking Penn State players,” Smith said. “With the uncertainty of the next head coach, the most important thing we can do is protect the locker room. When it comes to high school recruits, he has an advantage right now because we don’t have a permanent head coach.”

Staff members leave: Associate director of athletics Kevin Threlkel, Penn State football’s chief of staff, and Andy Frank, general manager of personnel and recruitment, both left the program this week, probably to join Franklin at Virginia Tech.

Several other staff members have resigned as well.

“We have a great staff here,” Smith said. “We have a lot of people who take great pride in picking up the slack where there’s a void. This is no different than injuries on the field. It’s the next person up.

“The job has to be done, so we’ll adjust. We’ll keep it moving. Our feet are on the ground. We’re prepared to beat Nebraska.”

Dawkins honored: Senior center Nick Dawkins and field hockey player Elise DeWan have been named the Penn State winners of the Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award by the Big Ten.

The award was created last year to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who strive to have a positive impact within their community in addition to excellence in competition.

Two overall conference honorees will be selected and announced in the spring.

Each of the 36 campus winners will receive a medal bearing the likeness of Jackie Robinson and the Big Ten logo.

Robinson was UCLA’s first four-sport letter winner, excelling in football, basketball, track and field and baseball. More than 50 years after his death, he continues to be recognized and honored for integrating Major League Baseball and his lifelong commitment to social justice.

Duzansky recognized: Penn State senior Tyler Duzansky has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Mannelly Award, presented to the nation’s top long snapper.

Duzansky has been a regular for three seasons, playing in every game since the start of 2022. He was named to the All-Big Ten third team last season by the media and received honorable mention by the coaches.

A team captain this season, he has helped Ryan Barker go 12-for-13 on field goal attempts and 35-for-35 on extra point attempts and has aided Gabe Nwosu who is averaging 46.0 yards per punt, the best punt average in a season in Nittany Lions history.

The Mannelly Award will announce three finalists on Dec. 1 before the winner is announced Dec. 13 at a ceremony.