The status for one of Penn State’s best playmakers is still up in the air ahead of the Big Ten Championship game.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Harrison Wallace III was listed as questionable before Penn State’s 44-7 win over Maryland and did not log a snap.
In a Big Ten title game preview webinar Sunday, coach James Franklin said Wallace “tweaked” something last week and was unavailable against the Terrapins. Wallace dressed and went through pregame stretches but did not do much in actual warmups.
“But we are hopeful that he’ll be able to go this week,” Franklin said. “Too early in a week to really tell, but was unable to go this past week.”
Star tight end Tyler Warren leads Penn State in all receiving categories, but Wallace is tops among Nittany Lion wide receivers. He announced himself as the No. 1 option in the season opener at West Virginia with five catches for 117 yards and a pair of scores.
On the season, the Alabama native has 35 receptions, 579 yards and three touchdowns.
Penn State’s production at wide receiver has been a years-long issue, and despite occasional signs of growth, Franklin has continually pointed to that group’s needed development this season. He addressed it again in conjunction with his answer on Wallace’s injury.
“I was pleased with the wide receivers overall [against Maryland]. I keep pushing each week to make sure that we’re continuing to get those guys as many opportunities as possible,” Franklin said. “It’s going to be really important for us as the season goes on. That position, the development of that position and the production of that position has been priority No. 1, really all offseason and all season. So overall, pleased.”