DEAL CONFIRMED: Penn State WR leadership role superstar after transfer from Ohio State
STATE COLLEGE — For Julian Fleming, this moment feels like the culmination of a dream, even though he could have experienced it years ago if he had chosen a different path.
When he was recruited out of high school, Fleming opted to chase other goals, but the evolving landscape of college football eventually brought one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished players back to Happy Valley for a final chance at a homecoming at Penn State in 2024.
With the Nittany Lions in dire need of a veteran wide receiver after struggling in 2023, they turned to the transfer portal and secured Fleming, a former Southern Columbia standout who initially surprised many by choosing Ohio State over Penn State as the top-rated recruit in the nation in 2020. Despite battling injuries at Ohio State, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Fleming still managed to haul in 79 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns, making him the most experienced receiver on Penn State’s roster as they prepare for their August 31 season opener against West Virginia.
“The last eight months have been an incredible experience,” Fleming shared. “I was welcomed with open arms, and I’m grateful to be in this position. The receiver room is fantastic, with excellent coaches. The overall team atmosphere is amazing, and I’m excited to see what this season holds.”
Once seen as an adversary and a sore spot for Penn State’s recruiting team, Fleming now feels like a long-standing member of the program since his January transfer, not just because the team has high expectations for him.
Penn State valued Fleming’s addition to a young receiver corps as much for his steady presence and consistent attitude as for his on-field statistics. Though he began camp working with the second team behind returning starters Harrison Wallace III, Liam Clifford, and sophomore Kaden Saunders, it’s his commitment to fundamentals that has elevated the group during practice.
During winter workouts, strength and conditioning coach Chuck Losey praised Fleming’s focused and diligent approach, noting that “his actions speak volumes.” Teammates have taken note as well.
“Coming from Ohio State, he stepped into that leadership role we lacked in the room, making sure we do extra work, guiding the younger guys, and sharing lessons from his experiences, both good and bad. His experience and leadership have been invaluable,” Wallace said. “He shows up ready to work every day.”
For Fleming, that’s the only way he knows.
While competing for playing time at Ohio State behind future NFL stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Garrett Wilson, Fleming learned the importance of focusing on what he could control.
Now, in 2024, Fleming faces the challenge of leading a Penn State receiving corps that has much to prove after a disappointing season. It’s a new role, but Fleming is determined to change the narrative by staying focused.
“As a fifth-year veteran in college football, I know the dangers of paying attention to outside noise. It can affect the energy in the room and the entire program,” Fleming said. “So right now, our mindset is us versus the world, and we’re going to keep improving throughout camp.”