Micah Parsons credits 1 key figure for quick NFL success

Micah Parsons often looked like a seasoned veteran during his rookie season in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker collected 13 sacks and capped off his first season with an All-Pro nod. He joins a number of recent Penn State draftees, including Chris Godwin and Pat Freiermuth, who have quickly found success at the NFL level.

Parsons thinks he knows why the Penn State program produces such capable NFL players. He cited coach James Franklin for preparing players for the next level, and even endorsed Franklin as a possible NFL coach.

“They’re structured and disciplined,” Parsons said of Penn State players in an interview with Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “I was so prepared because of Coach Franklin. He made sure you attended meetings, paid attention to detail — basically coached you to be a pro. He could easily be a NFL coach. His whole program was designed for you to prepare for the next level, whether it’s on the field or off the field.”

Not a bad endorsement to take into recruiting meetings if you’re Franklin. Plenty of prospective pros will take notice of a program that churns out NFL players.

Franklin has not been linked to a lot of NFL jobs, but he has received a lot of interest from other college programs. No wonder Penn State paid him so well to ensure that he stays with the program.

Photo: Nov 7, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports