James Franklin updates Penn State’s depth at wide receiver entering spring

Coming into the 2024 spring, one place that head coach James Franklin and Penn State are looking to improve from last season at the wide receiver position.

While speaking to the media, Franklin addressed some of the changes that the Nittany Lions made to the wide receiver position. He also praised where the team currently stands moving into the 2024 calendar.

“Yeah, I don’t think we’ve ever had really a talent issue at wideout,” James Franklin said. “If you look at our guys, athletic numbers, testing numbers, I think it’s as good as anywhere in the country. So, I think you take that and now you take another year of experience, I think there are some things that we can do offensively to help as well and then I think Marcus [Hagans] having his second year as the receivers coach I think is going to be helpful as well.”

Penn State did make a major addition to its wide receiver room, bringing in Julian Fleming as a transfer from Ohio State. However, James Franklin didn’t go further than adding him because he felt confident with the current state of the room.

“And then, on top of that. I think Julian Fleming, another local guy that we’ve been able to bring back home, he’s brought an element of experience, of maturity that I think has been really good and has approached things really the right way since he stepped on campus,” Franklin said.

“I didn’t really feel like we needed to go out and do a whole lot in the transfer portal, but we needed to make sure we had enough competition at every single position to bring out the best and not only those guys individually, but also us as a team. I think Julian has helped with that as well as the younger players already in our program taking the next step. When I say younger players, that’s really all of them, including some of the veteran guys that now have played a decent amount of football that we anticipate and fully expect them to take the next step.”

James Franklin talks about connection with Julian Fleming

Shortly after Julian Fleming transferred to Penn State, James Franklin opened up about his connection with the talented wide receiver.

“He kind of understands what this league is all about. He also has an understanding about the Playoffs as well. I think those things are valuable. He’s an older guy, which I also think helps in that room. But I think at the end of the day, again, whether it’s high school kids or whether it’s transfer portal, we don’t make promises. Guys are gonna have to come in here and compete to earn jobs. We’re not making promises and offers to guys where they’re gonna in and start. Julian I think has done a really good job,” Franklin said.

“Like most scenarios whether it’s a job or whether it’s a team you’re joining, you kind of keep your mouth shut and your ears open and put your head down and go to work. Earn everybody’s respect and then over time start to become more vocal if that’s a part of your leadership style and personality. I think he’s done a really good job of that. I’ve heard really good reports from the strength staff, from the coaches and from the players probably most importantly. He’s done a good job with all those things. So far so good.”