The focus in the upcoming months and the start of the 2024 season for Penn State football will mainly be on the wide receiver group. It was evident in the previous season that the Nittany Lions lacked explosiveness, whether it be in deep passes or creating separation. Harrison Wallace was a key player who provided that spark, but his 2023 season was plagued by injuries. Head coach James Franklin is optimistic about Wallace’s comeback.
Wallace proved to be a reliable presence on the field last year, playing in eight games with six starts, totaling 19 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown. Franklin expressed that Wallace is eager for a successful season ahead.
“We had high expectations for him last year, but circumstances limited his impact. This year, with more experience and maturity, he is poised for a breakout season. Wallace is highly motivated after feeling the frustration of last year being cut short. He has shown great progress this summer and performed well in spring practices. We are counting on him to shine this year. He possesses exceptional athleticism and is one of our most explosive players. Although there were some chemistry challenges due to missed time with quarterbacks last season, the additional work this summer and spring has been beneficial.”
Drew Allar will rely on a consistent trio of wide receiver targets throughout the season
Ideally, this trio would consist of Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming, Harrison Wallace, and either Omari Evans or Kaden Saunders. Prior to the start of the 2023 season, James Franklin emphasized the importance of other wide receivers stepping up.
It is hoped that the returning players who opted to remain at Penn State for further development will seize the opportunity to excel on the field this autumn. The implementation of a new offensive system by Andy Kotelnicki will introduce a learning curve, with new signals, play calls, and audibles posing challenges for Drew Allar and his receiving corps.
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