Excited by progress, Penn State now 'needs' KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Penn State’s James Franklin laid the groundwork for what’s to come.
At his bowl media day press conference, Franklin was asked about young players making their first bowl trips. Among those players, receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith was mentioned specifically as highlighting the significance of the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Locking in on Lambert-Smith, a sophomore who finished third on the team with 31 catches for 447 yards and two scores, Franklin hinted at oncoming, elevated importance.
“There are guys that their roles will be more significant in this game, based on some discussions that are still going on,” Franklin said, alluding to opt-out choices being considered, even if not yet decided upon or announced publicly. “I think KeAndre is one of those guys, that we were all excited about when we were able to get KeAndre to come to Penn State, and he’s shown in flashes. I know he’s ready to take that next step and we need him to take the next step.”
A loose interpretation might infer that Jahan Dotson, the Nittany Lions’ outstanding wideout with All-Big Ten recognition, might not play against Arkansas.
Or, with a bright NFL future at stake, even a generous interpretation would suggest at least limitations for Dotson. Something akin to Saquon Barkley’s final showing in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, maybe.
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The resulting impact would then filter down the depth chart, first to Parker Washington, the Nittany Lions’ second-leading receiver. Then, Lambert-Smith, Malick Meiga, and Cam Sullivan-Brown.
The Nittany Lions are also counting on Lambert-Smith’s emergence moving forward.
Though notching a receiving grade of 56.9 by PFF, charged with four drops on 52 targets, his potential remains a point of optimism.
According to Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, it exists as flashes of possibility shown against necessary improvement.
“KeAndre Lambert-Smith has continued to improve. He’s been a guy that has some electricity, has some explosion,” Yurcich said. “He needs to continue to get better in every facet of receiver play. That’s from the meetings to the practice field to the games. And he’s trying his butt off and he’s getting better.”
Lambert-Smith’s work ethic and development is inextricably linked with Washington’s.
Determined to emerge in tandem as both playmakers and leaders in the receivers room, Washington has witnessed Lambert-Smith’s effort firsthand.
“We work every day together, talk about routes, talk about everything, especially in the film room,” Washington said. “(At practice), we just come and say we want to make big-time catches and make plays. I feel like in the future, that’s what that will lead to. And we’re just excited to be able to do that and get that opportunity.”
