Journey Brown could miss 2020 season, but HC James Franklin not ruling out a return

It was reported yesterday that Penn State running back, Journey Brown, could miss the 2020 season due to a medical condition discovered in the offseason. The team confirmed the report in a statement Monday night.

“Journey Brown is being treated for a medical condition discovered during the off-season and will potentially miss the 2020 football season,” the statement read.

The team gave no specifics in regards to the exact medical condition that could be holding Journey Brown out. In his weekly press conference, head coach James Franklin noted his love and support for Brown.

“I’m a big believer that Journey’s experiences throughout his entire life equip him with the necessary tools to battle in this situation. He has had a lot of adversary in his life in a very short period of time in terms of his age, and things he’s been able to overcome. … I know he’s going to handle this thing like he handles everything else, and does it in a first class way and tries to stay positive…”

Franklin went on to reiterate he still doesn’t know what the future holds in regards to the amount of time Journey Brown will actually miss. What is known is the fact that Journey Brown will be missed on the field for Penn State. The 5’11, 194-pound running back recorded 890 yards and 12 TDs on 6.9 yards per carry in the 2019 season. He set a Penn State bowl record with 202 rushing yards in the Cotton Bowl against Memphis. Sophomore Noah Cain is the assumed starter ahead of Saturday’s game against Indiana on Oct. 24. However, Penn State has a long depth chart of running backs on the roster. The Nittany Lions expect a mix of freshmen Devyn Ford and Caziah Holmes as well. James Franklin talked about his confidence in the guys behind Journey Brown.

“We feel like we got a really good group there. Obviously Caziah and Keyvone haven’t done it in a collegiate setting yet, but we do feel Noah has the ability to carry the load and feel like Devyn has a chance to do that as well.”

James Franklin also commended Coach Seider for recruiting and coaching the backs to this position. Noah Cain has gotten a big vote of confidence from Franklin, and will have big shoes to fill until Journey can come back.