STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State’s receiving corps shuffle continues. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the Nittany Lions’ high goal final season, has entered the switch portal as a graduate switch, The Athletic has realized. Lambert-Smith, a senior, wasn’t at observe Tuesday night time in the course of the media viewing window and wasn’t current at Saturday’s Blue-White recreation, both. Lambert-Smith subsequently introduced he was getting into the portal Monday afternoon.
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Lambert-Smith led the Nittany Lions final season with 53 receptions for 673 yards and 4 touchdowns. Though he was anticipated to be a key contributor this season, his departure additionally isn’t too shocking. Lambert-Smith disappeared down the stretch final fall, with simply two catches for 28 yards over the ultimate 4 video games of the common season. He declined all interview requests after being held and not using a catch and dropping one cross within the Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. He hadn’t met with reporters since early November.
Nonetheless, Penn State remained optimistic this spring that Lambert-Smith would develop into the constant deep menace they wanted. A number of weeks in the past, Franklin spoke glowingly about Lambert-Smith’s transformation, saying he had “proven some actual flashes” and was doing so with extra regularity.
In hindsight, that remark may’ve been a last-ditch effort by the coach to attempt to hold the senior.
“I feel (offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has) accomplished a very good job with him as nicely. They appear to have relationship,” Franklin mentioned. “I feel (extensive receivers coach Marques Hagans) has accomplished a very good job of creating relationships with the entire room. Clearly, we’d like him to have a giant yr and count on him to have a giant yr.”
The shortcomings of the receiving corps grew to become one of many staff’s greatest storylines final yr. Penn State hoped to deal with that obtrusive want by altering offensive coordinators and including Julian Fleming, the Ohio State graduate switch who enrolled in January. With out Lambert-Smith, count on Fleming and Harrison Wallace III to be quarterback Drew Allar’s two greatest choices; tight finish Tyler Warren also needs to be a big a part of the passing recreation.
Lambert-Smith is the third scholarship extensive receiver from final yr’s staff anticipated to be suiting up elsewhere subsequent season. Dante Cephas, one of the vital coveted receivers within the switch portal final yr, struggled final season and didn’t play within the Peach Bowl. He has since transferred to Kansas State. Reserve receiver Cristian Driver goes by means of spring practices at Minnesota.
Faculty soccer’s spring switch portal window opens to all gamers on Tuesday and runs by means of April 30.
(Picture: Dan Rainville / USA At this time)
