Penn State’s improved wide receivers prepare for Illinois

Penn State’s wide receiver group, after struggling at times last season to make its mark, was the team’s biggest question mark in the preseason. Through three games this year, the wideouts might be “the most improved position on the team,” according to coach James Franklin.

But are they ready to go against Illinois in primetime on Saturday night? And are they ready for the challenges that lie ahead in Big Ten play?

“Overall, I’ve been pleased with what they’ve been able to do,” Franklin said at his Monday news conference, days before Illinois comes to town. “We’ve got to continue to build — build their confidence and build their production. But I think it’s hard to argue that they may be the most improved position on the team right now. And let’s be honest, we needed that to happen.”

Franklin’s right. The Nittany Lions absolutely needed improved play from their receivers. Last year, the group’s struggles to create separation and generate big plays downfield lowered the offense’s ceiling and hamstrung what Drew Allar could do through the air.

That has changed early in the 2024 season. Harrison Wallace III had a career day in the season opener at West Virginia with 117 yards and two touchdowns. Omari Evans has been a dependable deep-ball threat with 205 yards on eight catches. And Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming got involved against Kent State. Clifford had a 38-yard catch and his first career touchdown, while Fleming, the Ohio State transfer, had a 39-yard snag.

Tight end Tyler Warren’s impressive start to the season might be overshadowing the growth of the receivers under assistant coach Marques Hagans. But it’s there for all to see.

“I’m kind of surprised that (Penn State media relations) haven’t come to me and showed me a ton of articles about our wide receivers and the steps that they’ve taken and what Marques and those guys have done. Because there sure were a bunch of articles when they didn’t play up to people’s thoughts and standards,” Franklin said.

“I think that was fair. I’m not saying that some of the things that were written and said in the past weren’t fair. But if we’re going to be critical, they should be praised when they’re doing some really good things, which I think they are.”

Franklin also acknowledged that his receivers — and the passing game as a whole — will be challenged this week against Illinois. The No. 19-ranked Illini haven’t been impervious to the pass (188 yards per game, 50th in the FBS), but they have been opportunistic.

Illinois, which runs a lot of man coverage, has seven interceptions through four games, tied for first in the Big Ten. Two weeks ago, the Illini intercepted Kansas’ Jalon Daniels three times. Last Friday, they picked off highly touted Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola in a significant road win.

Franklin knows Saturday will be a test for Wallace, Evans, Clifford and Fleming.

“We’ve got to put them in the best position we possibly can to be successful,” Franklin said. “They’ve got to continue to get better and compete and be aggressive. We’re at our best at that wide receiver position when those guys are being aggressive. I’ve seen it more consistently in practice, and I’ve seen it more consistently in games. And I think you guys are, as well.”