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STATE COLLEGE – It’s been well-documented that Penn State’s wide receivers became a problem last season, lacking the ability to create separation from defensive backs.
But they missed something far more important than speed. They were a rudderless ship. As a group, they lacked leadership from within their room.
That’s why Nittany Lions coach James Franklin recruited former Southern Columbia star Julian Fleming to transfer from Ohio State after last season.
“He stepped into that leadership role that we didn’t really have in the room,” junior Harrison Wallace III said Saturday, “by making sure we do extra things, taking us under his wing, teaching the young guys things that he went through, things that worked for him and things that didn’t work for him.
“He brought the experience and leadership parts. He’s a dog. He comes to work every day.”
The 6-2, 206-pound Fleming has added toughness to the Penn State wide receivers and has raised their expectations. As the oldest player in the group, he’s not bashful about telling others they need to correct their mistakes or to put in extra time.
“He’s seen a lot,” sophomore Kaden Saunders said. “He’s been through a lot. With him being older, he knows the ins and outs of things, especially in the Big Ten. He’s bringing everybody along with him in a good way.”
Fleming was considered a five-star prospect and the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania after his sensational career at Southern Columbia. He chose Ohio State over Penn State, but he played behind such talent as Marvin Harrison III, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who are all in the NFL.
He also dealt with multiple injuries that slowed his progress, yet he caught 60 passes for 803 yards and six touchdowns the last two seasons for the Buckeyes.
“I’ve learned a lot of lessons this being my…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-julian-fleming-adds-034700968.html
Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-08-04 03:47:00
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