James Franklin doubles down on career trajectory for Penn State football WR Omari Evans after a career day

Many Penn State football fans wanted to see more of Omari Evans during the 2023 season. In a year that the Nittany Lions struggled to have wide receivers create separation, Evans seemed like the player who could spark the offense. However, everyone was just a year too early. On Saturday, Evans had a career day on the field and James Franklin explained what led to that outcome.

Omari Evans and Drew Allar were part of the 2022 recruiting class for the Penn State football team. So, the chemistry between the two has never been an issue. The problem last season was Evans didn’t see the field much from game to game. But that’s all behind him now, as he has put together a strong start to the 2024 season. Against Kent State, he sent a new career high in receiving yards in a game with 116 on four catches where he also scored a touchdown.

Following yesterday’s win, James Franklin explained why it’s coming together for Evans this year.

“…He’s a guy that we’ve always had a ton of respect for,” Franklin said. “The type of athlete he was, I mean his running, jumping, strength numbers are freakish. I would also say when he got here he was probably more of a track guy than a football guy. You got to run your race. Some guys are able as freshmen by the third game when they’re ready. I think Nick Scott didn’t start until his senior year and has been in the NFL for six years…

“So, everyone’s journey is different. We use the quote all of the time ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ like run your race. But Omari has shown flashes ever since we recruited him and he came to camp. But it’s about consistency. And he’s practicing more consistent, he’s competing more consistently, he’s gaining confidence. I think I told you guys, if he has success his career could go through the roof. So you’re starting to see it.

“I will say this, it’s the consistency at practice that’s starting to show up in games.”

Franklin saw this coming in fall camp

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

It wasn’t long ago when James Franklin explained that he thought Omari Evans could see his career take off. On August 29, just days before the West Virginia game, Franklin had high praise for the speedy wide receiver.

“Omari [Evans] has had a great training camp,” Franklin said early in his availability. “Omari’s the guy I think everybody’s excited for to come out and play well early and gain confidence. Then, literally he’s one of those guys where his career could just take off. You talk about speed, size, intelligence like he’s got all of the things that you’re looking for.

“We go out and recruit him every single year and I think when he first got here is was a really good athlete and maybe a little bit of a track guy who’s really growing into football. Understanding what it takes at this level. But he’s a guy I think there’s a lot of excitement within the program, that he’s ready…”

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