Heading into the 2023 season, Penn State football was struggling to find a group of wide receivers that stood out from the pack.
Despite there being very little time left until the Nittany Lions play in their season opener against West Virginia. Wide receiver coach Marquez Hagans There was little insight into who would start in the September matchup.
At the time, it was a similar story to the quarterback battles unfolding in the same building, with James Franklin yet to announce his starting quarterback, which ultimately went to Drew Allard. The wide receiver couldn't find an answer.
Players moved in and out of the starting rotation. While Dante Cephas and Liam Clifford were starters, top option KeAndre Lambert-Smith's development stagnated throughout the year.
Months later, Franklin repeated the same line at spring practice Tuesday that Penn State fans heard all season long.
“I still want to see groups that really separate themselves from the group,” Franklin said. “I think the whole group has gotten better, but I would like to see some players separate themselves and see that for everyone to see.”
Penn State's wide receivers have been the talk of the town throughout spring practice, with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki claiming last week about Penn State's wide receivers: Wide receiver will surprise critics.
Kotelnicki said the wide receiver had a chip on his shoulder, which wasn't surprising. After the Peach Bowl was unsuccessful, several members of the group took to Twitter to express their thoughts on Penn State fans and their own performance.
While there aren't any players that stand out, there are some bright spots in the wide receiver corps.
Trey Wallace got a good review from Franklin on Tuesday. If he can stay healthy throughout practice and the season, the “super athletic” wideout should serve as a strong third option, something Aller didn't have a year ago.
Additionally, Lambert Smith won't be forced to become Aller's top target, which seemed like too big a task for him by the end of the season. Instead, newcomer Julian Fleming, who came to Happy Valley by way of Ohio State, appears poised to take the job.
One of Penn State's better pass-catching recruits, Fleming wasn't a star at Ohio State but has a chance to be Penn State's best option. In addition, Franklin said he has become a big part of the locker room. Even though Fleming chose the Buckeyes over Franklin and the Nittany Lions a while ago, Franklin said that's all in the past.
“He was really coachable. I think he was able to move forward and we were able to move forward and not talk about the past,” Franklin said. “On both sides, I don't want to speak for Julian, but it seemed to be very good in terms of energy, morale and expectations.
“It was a really good addition. I know he quickly earned the trust and respect of the coaches and players,” Franklin continued.
The 2024 season will be a pivotal one for the wide receivers as they look to rebuild their offense under Kotelnicki. This group likely won't have two tight ends to carry the pass-catching burden. Only Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson are headed to the NFL. And the wideouts will have to compete for attention, as Kotelnicki seems ready to use more second-quarter back options and focus more on running backs in run-pass option schemes. Dew.
Still, Penn State's offense is utilizing its receivers in new ways. Safety Jalen Reed said the new scheme really challenges defenses and wide receivers are getting more attention.
“I feel like we've had a lot of explosive receivers in the past. I feel like we haven't been able to utilize them in the most creative way,” Reid said. “And now I feel like we're using them, but obviously getting more creative.”
