Penn State receiver Julian Fleming is off to a good start in State College, James Franklin says
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State football welcomed numerous transfers into the program for the spring semester. The group includes former multi-year Ohio State standout Julian Fleming. The former five-star recruit put up good numbers in a crowded, and impressive, group of pass catchers in Columbus. He is expected to be in the mix for his new team’s top receiver role. But, he did not come to town with any sense of entitlement regarding whether or not that job will be his. Instead, it has been the complete opposite, which should come as no surprise considering how Fleming has long carried himself.
“We don’t make promises,” Lions coach James Franklin said on Tuesday at Beaver Stadium. “Guys are going to have to come in here, and compete, and earn jobs. Julian’s done a good job [with], the first thing you do at any [new job or program] is keep your mouth shut, and ears open, and go to work and earn everybody’s respect. He’s done a good job of that. I’ve heard really good reports from the strength staff, coaches, and players. He’s done a good job with all of those things. So, so far, so good.”
Fleming had 79 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns during his Ohio State career. His best statistical season came in 2022, when he caught 34 passes for 533 yards and six scores. Last year, he hauled in 26 passes for 270 yards. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
Familiarity led to Penn State and Fleming finally uniting
Many thought Fleming, a star player at Southern Columbia up the road from Beaver Stadium, would be a Nittany Lion immediately in college. As fans remember and Franklin admitted Friday, Penn State seemed to lead for a long time in the receiver’s recruitment. But, he never committed. Then, he ultimately ended up with the rival Buckeyes. Now, though, he wanted to play a final year back home and the Lions needed at least one receiver from the portal. It was, at long last, finally the perfect match.
“I think you guys have heard me say before is, one of the things I’d prefer to do if possible that if we go to the portal, it’s a guy we recruited on the front end,” Franklin said. “Julian was a really good example. There was a long and lengthy and extensive recruiting process for him and his family. For awhile we thought he was coming. Then, we ended up losing him. And now, he’s back with us.
“There’s familiarity and comfort there for him and his family and for us. And his ability to play in this league is helpful. He understands what this league is all about. And, he’s an older guy, which I think also helps in that room.”
Fleming and the rest of the receivers start spring practice next month. It will be his first time to show what he can do on the field in blue and white while he and the rest of his teammates are competing for snaps. It will be a fun battle to watch throughout March and April.
