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Penn State Football: 3 players poised for a drastic jump in development this Spring

By Alec Whitaker

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot stands with players on the field after the game at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot stands with players on the field after the game at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Malik McClain (11) celebrates a first down. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 45-38 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.Fsu V Uf Second Half652
Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Malik McClain (11) celebrates a first down. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 45-38 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.Fsu V Uf Second Half652 /

WR Malik McClain

A newcomer to Penn State is Florida State transfer Malik McClain.

The wide receiver will enter his third season in 2023 and looks like a candidate to replace Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley in the starting lineup at wide receiver.

In two seasons at Florida State, McClain caught 33 passes for 396 yards and five touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, he has the size to be a difference maker, it just hasn’t happened yet.

Part of that is because McClain was stuck behind some very talented wide receivers at Florida State and didn’t have much of an opportunity to breakout. With two opening spots up for grabs at wide receiver at Penn State, he will have that chance this Spring.

McClain was someone James Franklin shouted out during his press conference on Tuesday.

"Malik McClain has been impressive so far. Tested extremely well in our baseline testing."

The physical tools have always been there for McClain, it will be on new wide receivers coach Marques Hagans to help turn those tools into more sustainable success on the field.

With a fresh start and a chance for more playing time, this move may be what McClain needed in order to reach his high ceiling as a player. A full offseason of working with coach Hagans will certainly help McClain get there.

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