Punching tickets

Recapping Monday’s men’s and women’s conference tournament action.

During his introductory news conference Monday, Penn State safeties coach Anthony Poindexter shared a story about his time coaching at his alma mater, Virginia, and revealed that his path to University Park began with him trying to beat James Franklin on the recruiting trail.

“We kind of had the same recruiting areas, and he had relationships with guys I was working with on the staff,” Poindexter said. “We met each other and just became good buddies down through the years and kept up with each other. I’ve been watching him from afar and knowing the great work he’s been doing with the teams he had at Vanderbilt and here at Penn State.”

The 44-year-old joins the Nittany Lions after spending four seasons at Purdue. He replaces Tim Banks, who took the defensive coordinator job at Tennessee.

The meeting with reporters illuminated some important notes about both the coach and the program. Here are a few takeaways from the 30-minute chat with Poindexter:

• Franklin’s recruiting prowess goes far beyond signing players. College football moves quickly, and a wise head coach keeps in contact with people who could upgrade his staff.

“We talked a few times about job openings he had, but it just wasn’t the right timing,” Poindexter said. “But this year it was the right time, and I felt good about my family and myself and the situation I was coming to, so it just became the right time for me to join the staff.”

• Poindexter likes senior safety Jaquan Brisker a lot.

“He’s got a lot to gain,” Poindexter said of Brisker. “He’s been awesome. He has no ego. He wants to learn.

He’s always asking me questions.”

Brisker initially struggled with the transition from corner to safety, but as the season continued he found his way. He received an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and Pro Football Focus tabbed him a first-team All-American safety.

• Poindexter said that he would recruit in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., parts of Michigan and some of Indiana. He also shared some insight on his recruiting philosophy.

“Does the kid love football?” Poindexter said. “Does he have a desire to play and compete? If the kid doesn’t have a desire to play or doesn’t love this sport, it’s hard to play at this level.”

But those aren’t the only important traits of a Penn State safety.

“You’ve got to get into all the physical traits: height, weight, speed. Then I’m also trying to look for just guys that have natural football instincts,” Poindexter said. “Playing safety is a lot of seeing the ball, angles, and knowing how to attack the ball on every play.

“It all comes at you different ways on each play, so [it’s about] guys who understand football and have a love and passion for it. Also, being just a contact-tough person. This is the Big Ten, so you want them to have some contact toughness.”

• Nittany Lion fans might perk up when they hear Poindexter’s attitude on forcing turnovers.

“I’m going to emphasize trying to get the ball. When the opportunity comes, you got to make the play,” he said. “That’s why I want them to play free. I’m not saying you gamble, but you can practice a certain way that, in the game, if that play presents itself, you go make it.”