Penn State Football started spring practices last week with three new coordinators, bringing fresh new energy and ideas to the program, but adding plenty of work to get players on the same page in the new schemes.

After a somewhat disappointing offensive output in 2023 that saw Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich relieved of his duties after the Michigan game last fall, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was brought in to reinvigorate Penn State’s offense and bring new creativity to maximize the talent that Penn State Football has on that side of the ball. After a few spring practices, both Kotelnicki and head coach James Franklin seem to be pleased with the results so far.

Emotional Investment

After practice on Tuesday, Franklin spoke on the offense’s emotional investment at practice, something that Kotelnicki touched on as well in his media availability.

“I just see a lot of fight,” Franklin told reporters. “I think our offense is challenging our defense. I think they’re really emotionally invested and having fun with it at practice.”

Kotelnicki followed up later saying he’s focused on teaching the Nittany Lion’s players the “what, how and why” of his offense to get all of the players invested in the success. “We will be as creative and unique as necessary to utilize our players,” Kotelnicki continued.

The new language around the creativity and buy in out of the offense should be welcomed warmly by Penn State fans, especially after last season seeing Penn State’s weapons Nick Singleton, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Omari Evans go cold for large parts of the season trying to force them into a scheme instead of creatively calling plays to get them the ball in space.

 

James Franklin said Penn State’s players have bought in under Andy Kotelnicki:

“I just see a lot of fight. I think our offense is challenging our defense. I think they’re really emotionally invested and having fun with it at practice” pic.twitter.com/gXuTanXbAF

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) March 19, 2024

<< BUY PENN STATE TICKETS FOR 2024 SEASON >>

Position to Surprise

One of the most disappointing aspects of Penn State’s 2023 season was the use of Penn State’s wide receivers, who seemed to not be able to get on the same page with starting quarterback Drew Allar in key moments.

In the Peach Bowl, Allar did not complete a pass to a wide receiver until late in the second half.

However, Franklin asserted last week at his opening press conference for spring practice that he didn’t think Penn State had “a talent issue” at the wide receiver position, despite the 2023 struggles.

After two practices, Kotelnicki asserted that the wide receiver room is “going to surprise some people because no one’s gonna talk about them.”

Kotelnicki said that the entire group has a chip on their shoulder this year. While most of the players in the room were on Penn State’s roster in 2023, however, one of the most impactful players in the room should be a new addition in Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming.

 

Penn State WR Julian Fleming hauls in a pass from Beau Pribula at today’s practice viewing session.

Fleming looking good in the Nittany Lions’ second week of spring practice pic.twitter.com/C9RNmvPNGi

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) March 19, 2024

Since transferring to Penn State Football in January, Fleming has brought leadership and focus to the Penn State receivers room, garnering rave reviews from teammates early in winter workouts. Now, with spring practice starting, Fleming is showing it on the field, including leading Penn State’s receivers through some drills at spring practice.

 

Julian Fleming leading the wide receivers in his first year at Penn State pic.twitter.com/yHoFq5cDrt

— Micheal Bolger (@MichealBolger) March 12, 2024

If Penn State’s offense is to take the Nittany Lions to its first college football playoff berth this season, Penn State Football will need Kotelnicki’s creative system and reinvigorated energy to get the most out of the wide receiver room.

After two spring practices, it seems like the position is on track to take a major step forward in 2024.

MORE: Penn State’s Chop Robinson Surging up NFL Draft Boards

A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission