Terry Smith has actually made Penn State a destination for leading
The most essential staff hiring that James Franklin has probably made at Penn State was one of his very initially in 2014.
Franklin called previous Nittany Lions pass receiver Terry Smith, a successful high school coach in the Pittsburgh location, as the cornerbacks coach.
As Franklin begins his 12th season, Smith is the lone holdover from that initial staff and it’s simple to comprehend why.
He’s an excellent recruiter who isn’t afraid to speak the truth to Franklin or anybody else inside Lasch Building. He’s been elevated to associate head coach. He’s likewise become one of the top coaches in the country at his position.
“I did a lot of research before I came here,” said cornerback A.J. Harris, a top 40 possibility who moved from Georgia after the 2023 season. “Terry isn’t a guy who got a great deal of highly recruited guys coming here prior to me. It was understanding that Terry needs to know how to establish players when he’s getting 3- and four-star (recruits).
“I understood the advancement he could put into me. That was the most significant thing for me.”
Penn State has actually become a location for the very best cornerbacks in the country, like Harris.
Take a look at the guys who are anticipated to be the top 6 corners this season. They come from high schools in Alabama (Harris), Florida (Elliot Washington II), Georgia (Audavion Collins), Connecticut (Zion Tracy), California (Daryus Dixson) and Pennsylvania (Kenny Woseley). Collins and Jalen Kimber, who’s in camp with the Tennessee Titans, likewise moved from Southeastern Conference schools, Collins from Mississippi State and Kimber from Florida.
Harris has the possible to end up being the first Penn State protective back to be a first-round draft choice next year.
“We’re pretty gifted,” Smith stated. “I think my corner room is the very best I have actually had in 12 years. I have four guys that might start anywhere in the Big 10 or the SEC.”
Penn State defensive planner Jim Knowles coached some great cornerbacks the last 3 seasons at Ohio State. He quickly realized how talented the guys that Smith coaches are.
“If I had to use one word, it would be impressive,” Knowles said. “Terry Smith has actually constructed a remarkable culture in that room. Those guys are playmakers, so I’m going to set things up for them to make plays.
“I saw it in the spring and I have actually seen it currently here in camp. They are a genuine strength of our defense.
Smith has actually had 3 corners drafted the last three seasons: Joey Porter Jr., Daequan Hardy and Kalen King. He’s had seven taken since 2018.
“Before I came here, I was seeing Joey Porter and Kalen King,” Washington said, “how they flew around the ball and how Coach T taught the corners. When I turned up here on a go to, it captured my eye.”
However it’s how Smith carries himself that may have been the deciding aspect for Washington.
“Even when I was being hired, it seemed like home when I came here,” he stated. “He said, ‘I’m going to put you under my wing, but you’re going to need to work. You’re going to need to be gritty.’
“I understood I was going to bet a coach who’s going to think in me, who’s going to trust me and who’s going to make it feel like home.”
Smith has actually managed to find and develop better skill as each year passes. He also has produced a competitive environment with much depth.
“We have actually constantly played a great deal of guys,” he said. “We just purchase into the stating, ‘We all can consume.’ When you’re out on the field, it’s your chance to advance and get your task done. You’re out there. Write the chapter how you desire it written.
“It’s shown to work. Those guys buy into it. It’s taking advantage of your chances and all of us can have success.”
Consisting Of Terry Smith.
Originally Released: August 9, 2025 at 12:23 PM EDT