James Franklin discusses impact Julian Fleming can have at Penn State

Penn State has invested plenty into making this a great season, especially on offense. That includes the addition of WR Julian Fleming, formerly of their foe in Ohio State, out of the transfer portal.

James Franklin spoke about the addition of Fleming and what he can bring to the Nittany Lions during Big Ten Media Days earlier this week. He began by discussing their background with him and how he came to be in University Park after four seasons with the Buckeyes.

“Obviously, you know, we got a ton of history with him and his family, recruited him very heavily out of high school,” said Franklin. “He’s a veteran guy that’s played in this conference. He knows what it’s all about.”

Fleming spent his first four collegiate seasons as one of those top receivers in Columbus. During his time there, he caught 79 passes for 963 yards, good for 12.2 per reception, and seven scores. Most of that came in his junior year when he posted 34 receptions for 533 yards, which averages to 15.7 yards per catch, for six of his touchdowns. He just never finished any higher than fourth for Ohio State amidst a stacked corps of pass catchers.

Fleming elected to enter his name into the portal this offseason. He did so as the No. 18 WR and No. 99 overall transfer per On3’s 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players. Fleming, a native of Catawissa, which is under two hours east of State College, then eventually returned home with his commitment to the Nittany Lions.

Since then, Fleming has made the most of his time so far at Penn State. Franklin spoke about his presence thus far both as a contributor with how he has tested and as a leader with his approach.

“(Julian) is thriving. He’s very comfortable, he’s very confident,” said Franklin. “He really came, got on campus. Like most guys should do, kept his mouth shut, worked, earned everybody’s respect and now is really developing into a leader for us.

“His improvement from the end of spring to now? He is healthy and lean and explosive and fast right now. Just from the feedback from the players over the summer, he has really done a nice job. Looking at all the metrics and the numbers from our strength staff, he’s in a really good position,” Franklin added. “I think he’s got a huge chip on his shoulder and excited about the opportunity at Penn State. He’s really turned into one of the leaders in that wide receiver room.”

Fleming now has a decent chance to be the leading receiver this season for the Nittany Lions. That’s why the program is all the more glad to finally have him along.

“We’re happy to have him and expect for him to do big things for us this year,” said Franklin.