As the 2023 college football season continues, the Penn State football team continues to evolve. With that evolution, new leaders emerge, stars are born, and the team's identity begins to take shape. Early in the season, it has been clear that this 2023 edition of the Nittany Lions doesn't have many flaws. Because of their early success, James Franklin has been able to speak about the identity of this year's team.

Penn State legend LaVar Arrington breaks this down on the latest edition of Quite Franklin, a weekly podcast where Arrington speaks to Penn State head coach James Franklin in an exclusive interview.

What is the identity of the 2023 Penn State football team?

James Franklin has built this program on love and kindness. While maintaining success in the classroom and holding that 1-0 mentality each week. But with each season a new DNA is established on the team. Specifically in 2023, replacing multi-year captains and having a new starting quarterback. Has James Franklin found the identity of this Nittany Lion squad?

LaVar Arrington asked James Franklin, "What is the DNA of this team coach? What is the identity of this team? I feel like I see an identity. I've seen you over the years really work to build a culture of love as it applies to off the field and in the meeting rooms. Or wherever you see the guys at. But, in terms of personality of this team, I think I see what it is but I'd love to hear your take on it. Do you think this team has a DNA and has an identity?"

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To which Franklin responded with, "I think we are developing one. I would say it usually takes a couple of games to say okay this is who we are and this is how we are playing. But I think we are really starting to create one. You know on offense I think our identity is to be balanced. We have the ability to run or pass and protect the football. We need to be a little bit more explosive but I think we are doing those other two things well up to this point. You know, defensively I think the same thing. I think we've shown the ability to stop the run and the pass. But I think we could be a little more suffocating especially when it comes to the run game we just want to make sure we are gap sound. And then, special teams is where we need to be more consistent. I thought we took a significant step in game 2 but we were inconsistent in game 1. So I think we are starting to form our identity. I think we will have a better idea after this game and have really a three-game evaluation process to form that."

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It's clear that Coach Franklin needs a little more game tape to clearly say what the identity is of this team but so far they've made big plays on both sides of the ball. The next challenge will be against Illinois this Saturday in the Nittany Lions' first road game of the season. Can they be gap-sound on defense and protect the ball to create more explosive plays on offense? Only time will tell.

Upcoming Happy Valley United exclusive events

Happy Valley United will be providing exclusive access and events throughout the 2023-24 athletic year, including:

• Youth Service Bureau Fall Fest, State College, September 20
• Join Happy Valley United at the Youth Service Bureau Fall Fest
  on Sept.30 from 10-3 p.m. on the 200 block of South Allen St. in Downtown State College.
• Participating Penn State student-athletes from the men’s basketball, wrestling, men’s lacrosse and men’s soccer teams
  will be on-site.
• Fall Fest includes activities for families and people of all ages,
  from pumpkin decorating to pony rides and food trucks!

Exclusive player insights, presented by Happy Valley United

If you enjoyed this sit-down interview with several Penn State football players, stay tuned for more exclusive player insights throughout the 2023 season. We will be providing exclusive access to player interviews and other content throughout the fall as part of the brand-new partnership between Happy Valley United, Up on Game, and Basic Blues Nation.

This initiative aims to promote NIL opportunities for the over 800 Penn State student-athletes represented by Happy Valley United and provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite Nittany Lions.

To donate, please visit Happy Valley United's website. We Are!