Some Penn State fans are concerned about Julian Fleming, and not unjustifiably so.
Through two games, the fifth-year senior who transferred to Penn State from Ohio State over the winter has just one catch and has been targeted twice. Both of which took place against Bowling Green.
But stats don’t always tell the full story. Fleming’s quarterback feels the receiver has been plenty productive despite that production not showing up on the stat sheet.
“I think, first off, Julian’s the ultimate team guy,” Drew Allar told reporters via Zoom Wednesday. “I think there’s a lot that he’s done in the game in the pass game, even though maybe he’s only had one that people that know football know some plays don’t happen if Julian doesn’t do his job running some routes that opened up a lot of guys through the first two weeks.”
Here’s a play Allar could have been referring to.
For those asking about Julian Fleming's role on Saturday
Per @TruMediaSports he played the same number of snaps on offense as Harrison Wallace III (35). Wasn't targeted, but Penn State only had 18 pass attempts.
Willingness as a blocker has always been a huge part of his game pic.twitter.com/tNe7dXGOaa
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 1, 2024
Allar also feels Fleming could do a lot in the pass-catching department,
“He’s a special player with the ball in his hands,” Allar said. “I’ve seen it countless times throughout practice, so I’m hoping that we get to show that off during these games throughout the season.”
For Allar, the way Fleming approaches things is something his teammates can take after.
“I think Julian’s mindset is a great mindset for everybody on our team to learn from,” he said. “I think he’s the ultimate pro when it comes to preparation and how he carries himself through practice and the games. He’s very honest with himself, and I think that’s very good for the young guys to see in the program. I think he’s done a tremendous job so far even if the stats don’t show it. But he’s going to have a huge impact on our offense throughout the year.”
Coach James Franklin talked about Fleming in his Monday presser after the West Virginia game and echoed Allar thoughts.
“The most important thing is the things he could control, he controlled,” Franklin said. “He blocked really well. He ran really good routes. If you go back and watch the play that we threw the touchdown to Tyler Warren, that was because of Julian.”
“It was almost a three-vertical scheme where he’s got to get to the backside hash. But before going to the backside hash, he attacks the safety in the middle of the field and crosses his face, which occupies the safety and doesn’t allow him to slide over and get into the window of where we threw the ball to Tyler Warren. Here he is, late in the game, still running great routes to put us in a position to make big plays.”
“You can say the same thing about the (50-yard touchdown) to Trey (Wallace). “He runs a corner route, pulls the safety out of the window and allows Tre to get hit on the skinny post for the touchdown. So for the things that he could control, he played very, very well. And those are the things we talk about in our building. Those are the things that, for these guys’ futures, they watch.”
Penn State wide receiver Harrison Wallace III at the half against West Virginia has:
🔵 Five receptions
⚪️ 117 yards receiving
🔵 Two touchdowns pic.twitter.com/SzhG8NVTvt— Andrew Harbaugh (@AndrewHarbaugh_) August 31, 2024
