James Franklin is famous for never turning down an opportunity to promote his program. At his Penn State introductory press conference earlier this month, Franklin said he'd blow up balloons at a State College resident's birthday party if that's what it takes to promote Penn State football.
Well, how's this for exposure? Franklin will be an official guest at President Obama's State of the Union address tonight.
Franklin will be a guess of Pennsylvania U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson - who happens to be a Penn State graduate.
“With the beginning of a new year, we are filled with a sense of optimism and possibility. The State of the Union offers us the chance to reflect upon the previous year and provides us with a preview of the challenges and opportunities that we face together,” Rep. Thompson said in a statement. “Given these sentiments, it’s an honor to have Coach Franklin as my guest for this occasion. …
“As a proud Penn State alumnus and a life-long Centre County resident, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my congratulations to Coach Franklin on being named as head coach of the Nittany Lions and to welcome him and his family to Happy Valley.”
With National Signing Day just eight days away, you'd have to think only a major promotional opportunity would pull Franklin away from the recruiting trail. A night at the nation's capitol qualifies.
“I am grateful and very appreciative of Rep. Glenn Thompson’s invitation to attend the President’s State of the Union Address,” said Franklin. “I look forward to hearing the President’s vision for 2014 and beyond and what we, as citizens of the greatest union in the world, can do to help move our nation forward.”
(HT CollegeFootballTalk)