Penn State needs KeAndre Lambert-Smith to step into a leading role on and off the field; is he ready for it?

The hype is building about Penn State football as spring practice continues. Head coach James Franklin’s team is considered a top-10 club by virtually all media outlets as drills continue across the country. Much of the excitement stems from an offense that will feature some of the most exciting young talent in the Big Ten, plus a future first-round NFL Draft pick at left tackle.

It’s widely believed that the Penn State offense will take a step forward with presumed first-team quarterback choice Drew Allar at the helm eventually, although a battle continues with Beau Pribula. What isn’t as clear, however, is who he will throw to.

It’s why, for all the buzz, KeAndre Lambert-Smith is someone who can push the program over the top this fall. Now a fourth-year Nittany Lion, he is the only returning receiver who caught at least 10 passes last year. He hauled in 24 for 389 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. However, inconsistency has, at times, marred his 36 career games so far. That must change for him to become the team’s number one receiver and raise both his profile and that of his team’s nationally this fall.

“I haven’t done exactly what I wanted to in my career,” Lambert-Smith told reporters Tuesday night. “And, I’ve been waiting for opportunities like this. So for a opportunity to present it stuff like this; I’m supposed to be a top guy in the country. I’m going to be a top guy in the country, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

Penn State hopes that KLS can take advantage of it

From an athletic standpoint, the 6-foot-1, 184-pound Virginia native has all the tools to be a top-level performer. That was on display during a record-setting 88-yard catch and run for a touchdown at the Rose Bowl.

However, Penn State will need more moments like that one more often in 2023.

“Well, I think for the most part, you give them all the information that you can when coaching,” offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said. “It’s no different than anybody else. I mean, you can’t say, ‘Well, this guy, I’m going to try and coach a little bit harder and that sort of thing. It’s got to come from within. And, he’s shown all the signs within the offseason of wanting to take that next step as have all the guys in that room.

“So, you know, we’re proud of the way he’s been coming along. The desire that he has and the want to that he has is exceptional. So, if he just stays the course and continues to do the little things that it takes to be great, all the things that are outside of practice, all the film study and all the playbook study, and in taking notes, and eating right, and making sure you get the sleep, and still training hard in the weight room; all those things all add up at the end of the day. So, he’s taking a business approach. I’m excited about him and what he brings to our offense. And we’re really looking forward to seeing him progress throughout the rest of spring and in the fall camp. And then next year.”

One way he’ll need to do so is as a leader. Penn State loses all of its captains from a year ago and thus will need many players to step into those roles. ‘KLS’ is a logical candidate as a returning veteran who is the oldest player in his position group.

Moving into that position, however, is not as simple as it might sound.

“It’s been a challenge,” Lambert-Smith said. “Not necessarily like hard to do, a lot of guys are looking at me as to be that leader, and lead the room, and even be a leader on the team. So I mean, I always felt like I was born to lead and lead by example. And, I’ve always been a talkative guy. So, I’m going to talk but I’m also going to back it up and work every day. And I feel like the guys respect that, and the guys in my room respect it.”

Lions must figure out the lay of the land at receiver

It seems clear that Lambert-Smith and Harrison “Tre” Wallace will likely be the team’s top receivers this fall. Where guys like Omari Evans, Liam Clifford, Malik McClain, Malick Meiga, Kaden Saunders, eventually Dante Cephas, and others fit in, however, remains to be seen.

A year ago, Penn State mainly rolled its top three receivers. It only took them off the field when they tapped their helmet for a break. However, the Lions would like to be deeper this year. First, though, they must establish themselves at the top, presumably with Lambert-Smith leading the way, before filling in the spots below him.

“[Lambert-Smith]’s been really good so far this spring,” Penn State coach James Franklin said Tuesday night. “We need him to be the guy. Like a true number one, not just at Penn State, but really in the conference. And the guy that people are talking about nationally. Tre has also, I think, had a really nice spring camp so far. We got to figure out who that third guy is going to be. There’s gonna be a competition really with all of those guys.

“But, I think that’s probably one of the big question marks between now and the first game is who is going to be that third guy that’s going to separate. There are a number of guys that I think are battling for it. But who’s going to separate themselves from the pack and be a true number three? Or are we going to rotate that position all year long? We’ll see.