PENN: Penn State committed 5-star after his done deal sideline

STATE COLLEGE — With just over two weeks until Penn State’s season opener at West Virginia, the outlook for the Nittany Lions’ wide receiver corps is largely positive, though not without some concerns.

Coach James Franklin highlighted the performances of a couple of fourth-year receivers after the team’s practice on Tuesday night.

In 2023, inconsistency in the receiver room was a major storyline. Although Penn State tallied 30 passing touchdowns last season, the wideouts contributed just 10 of those scores.

However, Franklin, along with a key defensive assistant and some players, have been encouraged by the progress of Harrison “Trey” Wallace and Liam Clifford.

The pair combined for 32 receptions, 358 yards, and one touchdown last season. Notably, Liam Clifford is the younger brother of former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford.

“Trey and Liam have really had a strong camp,” Franklin said. “Whether it’s the coaches, defensive players, or even (defensive coordinator) Tom Allen mentioning in a team meeting today about the receivers’ improvement, particularly Trey and Liam, it’s been noticeable.

“They’ve probably been the biggest difference-makers.”

Last week, Penn State third-year safety Kevin Winston Jr., who led the team in tackles last year, also commended Wallace for his efforts in practice.

On a less positive note, Franklin announced that true freshman wideout Peter Gonzalez, a standout from Central Catholic, will be sidelined for an extended period due to an undisclosed injury.

“Peter’s injury is long-term, not short-term,” Franklin said. “He’ll be out for a while.”