by: Ben Jones

James Franklin hasn’t been on the job for a whole week, but he’s making good on his declaration of dominating the state on the recruiting trail. Seen all throughout the city and surrounding areas of Philadelphia on Thursday, Franklin stopped by multiple schools to start his state-wide pitch.

Franklin was joined by Bob Shoop, Penn State’s soon to be defensive coordinator as both coaches made the round. According to Philly.com, Franklin and Shoop made appearances at Archbishop Wood, Imhotep Charter, La Salle, and St. Joseph’s Prep.

“I was very, very impressed with him,” Imhotep coach Albie Crosby said to Philly.com “He blew me away. He’s very welcoming.”

Franklin also stopped by his Alma Mater, Neshaminy where he played quarterback during his high school years.

While none of Franklin’s assistants have been publicly announced, many have been out and about getting to work and getting up to speed on what has been a hectic week for the program. Recruiting has been an especially important focus after five-star defensive tackle Thomas Holley flipped his commitment from Penn State to Florida. On Thursday, four-star defensive back recruit Troy Vincent, Jr. flipped his commitment from Penn State to NC State.

Franklin is expected to take his pitch to the western half of the state today and the Pittsburgh area where he promised to recruit as hard as any other corner of PA.

“When I say Penn State, that is the whole state,” Franklin said at his introductory press conference. “That is the whole state. We will recruit every corner of this state, every school of this state, every neighborhood of this state.”

“We’re going to unite the coaches, we’re going to unite the community and build this program where everybody wants it to be.”

The recruiting pitches will continue as schools race towards National Signing Day for prospects on February 15. He has several stops planned today in Pittsburgh, while making time to swing by the Board of Trustees meeting in the afternoon.