Terry Smith has made Penn State a destination for top cornerbacks

The most important staff hiring that James Franklin has arguably made at Penn State was one of his very first in 2014.

Franklin named former Nittany Lions wide receiver Terry Smith, a successful high school coach in the Pittsburgh area, as the cornerbacks coach.

As Franklin begins his 12th season, Smith is the lone holdover from that original staff and it’s easy to understand why.

He’s an excellent recruiter who isn’t afraid to speak the truth to Franklin or anyone else inside Lasch Building. He’s been elevated to associate head coach. He’s also 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 prospect who transferred from Georgia after the 2023 season. “Terry isn’t a guy who got a lot of highly recruited guys coming here prior to me. It was understanding that Terry has to know how to develop players when he’s getting three- and four-star (recruits).

“I knew the development he could pour into me. That was the biggest thing for me.”

“I did a lot of research before I came here,” said cornerback A.J. Harris, a top 40 prospect who transferred from Georgia after the 2023 season. “Terry isn’t a guy who got a lot of highly recruited guys coming here prior to me. It was understanding that Terry has to know how to develop players when he’s getting three- and four-star (recruits).

“I knew the development he could pour into me. That was the biggest thing for me.”