From an SI piece (link below) yesterday:
>>“I think that’s a position that’s going to surprise some people, because no one is going to talk about them, and I think they wear that chip on their shoulder, actually,” Kotelnicki said. “... Thy’re like, ‘We'll show you.’”
KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III are the returning veterans, with Lambert-Smith coming off a 53-catch season that ended disappointingly. He caught just two passes over the last four games and wasn’t targeted in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. Wallace, meanwhile, missed five games due to injury but returned in the bowl game to make four receptions. Kotelnicki said he has seen a new purpose across the board from the position.
“They have committed themselves to improving daily,” the coordinator said, “and it’s very evident. We have challenged them physically and mentally more than they have [been in the past], at least according to their feedback. They’re responding super well. We’re making it really hard on them, and they’re really digging into it.”
Added Franklin, “The whole group, from what I’ve seen, is improved. … I still would like to see a group of guys really separate themselves from the pack.” Note the last part, a prodding for someone to take over as the room’s alpha.
Fleming, the Ohio State transfer, earned the respect of teammates, and strength coach Chuck Losey, for his commitment and attention to detail during winter workouts. That has extended into spring drills, as Fleming continues to deliver a work ethic prized by his coaches. Even if Fleming doesn’t assume the No. 1 receiver role, he’s building a strong case to be a major part of the offense.
In describing Fleming’s assimilation into the program. Franklin also opened up about the recruiting process five years ago.
“He’s been great, and the way that it ended the first time, I wasn’t necessarily sure how it would all play itself out,” Franklin said. “Even during the [portal] recruiting process when we had our first conversations, I didn’t know how it was going to play itself out. The guys love him, he’s been awesome as a teammate, he’s been really coachable. I think he has been able to move on. There’s been no talk about the past.
“... For both parties, and I don’t want to speak for Julian, but it seems really good in terms of energy, morale and expectations. He’s been a really good addition, and I know he’s earned the coaches’ and players’ trust really quickly.”<<
www.si.com
>>“I think that’s a position that’s going to surprise some people, because no one is going to talk about them, and I think they wear that chip on their shoulder, actually,” Kotelnicki said. “... Thy’re like, ‘We'll show you.’”
KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III are the returning veterans, with Lambert-Smith coming off a 53-catch season that ended disappointingly. He caught just two passes over the last four games and wasn’t targeted in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. Wallace, meanwhile, missed five games due to injury but returned in the bowl game to make four receptions. Kotelnicki said he has seen a new purpose across the board from the position.
“They have committed themselves to improving daily,” the coordinator said, “and it’s very evident. We have challenged them physically and mentally more than they have [been in the past], at least according to their feedback. They’re responding super well. We’re making it really hard on them, and they’re really digging into it.”
Added Franklin, “The whole group, from what I’ve seen, is improved. … I still would like to see a group of guys really separate themselves from the pack.” Note the last part, a prodding for someone to take over as the room’s alpha.
Fleming, the Ohio State transfer, earned the respect of teammates, and strength coach Chuck Losey, for his commitment and attention to detail during winter workouts. That has extended into spring drills, as Fleming continues to deliver a work ethic prized by his coaches. Even if Fleming doesn’t assume the No. 1 receiver role, he’s building a strong case to be a major part of the offense.
In describing Fleming’s assimilation into the program. Franklin also opened up about the recruiting process five years ago.
“He’s been great, and the way that it ended the first time, I wasn’t necessarily sure how it would all play itself out,” Franklin said. “Even during the [portal] recruiting process when we had our first conversations, I didn’t know how it was going to play itself out. The guys love him, he’s been awesome as a teammate, he’s been really coachable. I think he has been able to move on. There’s been no talk about the past.
“... For both parties, and I don’t want to speak for Julian, but it seems really good in terms of energy, morale and expectations. He’s been a really good addition, and I know he’s earned the coaches’ and players’ trust really quickly.”<<
Penn State's Offense Showing Signs of Spring Growth
The “head coach” of Penn State’s new offense has been quizzing his players this spring about their plays and responsibilities, calling it part of his continuing
www.si.com
