Penn State's Offense Showing Signs of Spring Growth

Head coach James Franklin and coordinator Andy Kotelnicki see improvement from the receivers and an "awesome teammate" in Julian Fleming.

Penn State receiver Julian Fleming prepares to run through a drill during spring football practice at Penn State. / Max Ralph/AllPennState

The “head coach” of Penn State’s new offense has been quizzing his players this spring about their plays and responsibilities, calling it part of his continuing education as well as theirs. “I got into this to teach and coach,” offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said after a recent practice in State College. “I want to stay on the cutting edge of anything we’re doing in terms of teaching.”

While Kotelnicki and head coach James Franklin teach that new offense during spring drills, they’ve provided some insight into what they’re learning. And here’s what we’re learning about Penn State’s offense ahead of the April 13 Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State’s receivers have a “chip on their shoulder”

It wasn’t surprising to hear Kotelnicki say this about Penn State’s receiving corps, the most uneven position group of 2023’s offense. And that makes wide receiver the most compelling preseason position to watch, even ahead of Drew Allar's development as the starting quarterback and the competition at offensive tackle. Kotelnicki wants this group of receivers to have an edge, so he’s going to help give it one.

“I think that’s a position that’s going to surprise some people, because no one is going to talk about them, and I think they wear that chip on their shoulder, actually,” Kotelnicki said. “... Thy’re like, ‘We'll show you.’”

KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace III are the returning veterans, with Lambert-Smith coming off a 53-catch season that ended disappointingly. He caught just two passes over the last four games and wasn’t targeted in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. Wallace, meanwhile, missed five games due to injury but returned in the bowl game to make four receptions. Kotelnicki said he has seen a new purpose across the board from the position.

“They have committed themselves to improving daily,” the coordinator said, “and it’s very evident. We have challenged them physically and mentally more than they have [been in the past], at least according to their feedback. They’re responding super well. We’re making it really hard on them, and they’re really digging into it.”

Added Franklin, “The whole group, from what I’ve seen, is improved. … I still would like to see a group of guys really separate themselves from the pack.” Note the last part, a prodding for someone to take over as the room’s alpha. 

RELATED: How Andy Kotelnicki approaches recruiting at Penn State

More praise for Julian Fleming

Fleming, the Ohio State transfer, earned the respect of teammates, and strength coach Chuck Losey, for his commitment and attention to detail during winter workouts. That has extended into spring drills, as Fleming continues to deliver a work ethic prized by his coaches. Even if Fleming doesn’t assume the No. 1 receiver role, he’s building a strong case to be a major part of the offense.

In describing Fleming’s assimilation into the program. Franklin also opened up about the recruiting process five years ago.

“He’s been great, and the way that it ended the first time, I wasn’t necessarily sure how it would all play itself out,” Franklin said. “Even during the [portal] recruiting process when we had our first conversations, I didn’t know how it was going to play itself out. The guys love him, he’s been awesome as a teammate, he’s been really coachable. I think he has been able to move on. There’s been no talk about the past.

“... For both parties, and I don’t want to speak for Julian, but it seems really good in terms of energy, morale and expectations. He’s been a really good addition, and I know he’s earned the coaches’ and players’ trust really quickly.”

More work for a freshman quarterback

Franklin noted recently that freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who enrolled in January, has been “really flashing” in practice. Franklin did not mention redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik, and a recent report from Blue-White Illustrated’s Ryan Snyder might explain why. According to Snyder, Smolik will miss “at least the rest of spring ball” with an undisclosed injury. That has given Grunkemeyer more spring reps.

“Grunkemeyer is really flashing and doing some nice things right now for a true freshman quarterback,” Franklin said. “What I’m most excited about is, he’s shown flashes right now, but how is he going to be in the summer when he’s had all spring and all early summer to grind on the playbook, grind on the installs, watch a ton of Kansas tape, watch a ton Penn State tape? But it’s been good.”

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.