KeAndre Lambert-Smith eager, ready for opportunity to shine

According to Penn State redshirt sophomore receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the year has made a difference.

And, in the wake of a lackluster 2021 season for Penn State’s offense, it’s been needed. 

Finishing with the nation’s No. 90-ranked scoring offense at 25.0 points per game, and checking in at 82nd in total offense at 376.4 yards, improvement has been a priority this spring. Under the direction of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich in his second spring in the program, that process has become easier for the Nittany Lions. 

“It’s a good feeling when you can come back to the same playbook that you’re used to and get right back into the same flow,” Lambert-Smith said Tuesday. “So I mean, not learning a new offense. We’re not moving. We’re not thinking a lot. 

“So, I’m playing a lot faster because I’m just comfortable with the playbook. I know what I’m doing. I know my assignment. So I mean, I’m pretty sure we all feel like that and it’s just helping us click better as an offense.”

For Lambert-Smith, that has helped in what he acknowledges is an important year for him personally.

Coming out of a COVID-19 impacted 2020 season in which he was thrust into a starting role, making 15 catches for 138 yards, Lambert-Smith built on it as a consistent presence in Penn State’s offense. 

The result was a season slate in which he started all 13 games but varied in his impact from game to game. In total, his 34 catches for 521 yards and five touchdowns were third among receivers.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s breakout season?

Trailing Jahan Dotson’s 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 TDs, and Parker Washington’s 64 for 820 and 4, respectively, Lambert-Smith now has an opportunity to shine further. In the absence of Dotson, who is vying for an opportunity in the NFL as a likely early draft pick later this month, that’s a possibility.

“I feel like this is one of those years, with Han leaving. I feel like my role has increased and I’m just ready to make plays for the team,” Lambert-Smith said. “(I’m) building the chemistry with the offense (and) Sean. We’re ready to make plays.”

Part of that process has relied upon personal growth for Lambert-Smith.

Arriving at Penn State as a highly competitive prospect, Lambert-Smith acknowledged that he’d previously let his emotions get the best of him. In games, in practices, or otherwise, the need to perform at times overwhelmed him.

“I know as a freshman, I came in, I wasn’t very mentally strong. I let a lot of stuff get to me,” Lambert-Smith said. “And I realized going into my sophomore year I did way better with that. And I realized there’s still room for improvement. 

“So, I feel like going into my third year, there are still areas I can get better in that state. And then, my ability with the ball in my hands. Being more explosive, making more plays for the team.”

Next steps

Focusing on implementing those goals in his game this spring, summer, and into the 2022 season, Lambert-Smith is determined to keep working in the days and weeks ahead. 

Aiming to translate his comfort with the offense into playmaking consistently, it’s a goal Lambert-Smith shares with the entirety of Penn State’s offense. 

“I feel like we can grow overall as a whole,” Lambert-Smith said. “I feel like we all know that we didn’t have the year we wanted to have last year, as far as when it comes to run game, pass game, everywhere. There’s room for improvement in every aspect of the offense. As far as the passing game, and running game, everybody has room for improvement. And, I feel like we’re gonna get it done.

“I’m not out there thinking too much. I’m out there playing fast, making plays. So I’m just excited to do it on Saturdays and show everybody what I can do.”