Penn State could soon return one of its top offensive weapons. James Franklin said he is “hopeful” that wide receiver Harrison Wallace III, who did not play in a 44-7 win over Maryland on Saturday, will be “able to go” in next weekend’s Big Ten Championship against Oregon.
Wallace “tweaked something” in the week leading up to the matchup with Terrapins, Franklin said, leading to his absence. Wallace currently ranks second on the team with 35 receptions and 579 receiving yards. He also has three receiving touchdowns on the year.
With Wallace sidelined, Omari Evans stepped up in his place. Evans caught four passes for 49 yards. He’s combined for six catches for 100 yards over the past two weeks, Evans’ most consistent stretch since September.
Franklin said in Wallace’s absence, he was “pleased” with the overall performance of the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers. Tyseer Denmark, a true freshman, showed the most flash aside from Evans, hauling in a 15-yard catch for his first-career touchdown.
“I keep pushing each week to make sure that we’re continuing to get those guys as many opportunities as possible,” Franklin said Sunday. “It’s going to be really important for us as the season goes on. So that position and the development of that position and the production of that position has been priority No. 1, really all offseason and all season.”
Denmark only appeared in three games over the regular season, meaning he will retain his redshirt and an extra year of eligibility. He can play in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff without any impact on his redshirt status.
His availability could be significant at a position that has struggled to find big playmakers outside of Wallace and Evans. Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming, the two other frequently used wide receivers, have combined for just 455 yards and two touchdowns.
Franklin said he’s “excited” about the future of Denmark, who has the ability to be a punt returner, slot receiver and Z receiver.
“He’s a talented guy, he’s a confident guy and he’s a tough guy, which we put a premium on — toughness — in our program. And that guy has kind of all those qualities,” Franklin said of Denmark. “He continues to get better. We’re going to need him more and more in the postseason.”
