Trio of receivers in competition for third receiver position

Since the departure of Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley from the 2022 season, questions have loomed over Penn State’s wide receiver room throughout training camp.

With options spanning from big-bodied possession catchers to undersized speedy receivers, James Franklin has looked towards an out-of-towner to help lead the core.

Malick Meiga, a junior from Quebec, has fought for a starting role since he committed in 2020. Headed into the 2023 season, the 6-4 203lb receiver wasn’t only labeled as a dependable resource on offense but also a captain and hard worker on special teams.

On Wednesday, Meiga gave his thoughts on the progress of the receiver group and who he thinks has emerged from the pack.

“I feel pretty good. I feel like we got a lot of pieces to the offense,” said Meiga. “We got great depth, and everybody’s ready to play.”

That confidence in the wide receiver room didn’t develop overnight. It has taken every ounce of effort in practice, extra work after practice and some games to build an arsenal of weapons for the quarterbacks to rely on throughout the season.

“We’ll be staying after practice, and a lot of us will be standing by this catching game behind the goalpost catching the ball out there,” said Meiga on how the receivers have worked to get better. “Just little things like that to help us.”

Through the everyday grind that Penn State has been on since camp kicked off, Meiga said that there have been some players who have taken significant strides in their protection and play.

One of those players was even rewarded with what Meiga called the “play” of training camp.

“I see my boy, Kaden Saunders. He got a pretty good fade ball over there,” said Meiga as he pointed to the far goal-line pylon in Holuba Hall. “He took it from like 60 (yards) out, so that was pretty sweet.”

While Saunders got the title for the best catch of the camp, Meiga highlighted another player who has the natural athleticism and features to be great this season.

“They’ve been working on him, and he’s been working a lot,” said Meiga about Omari Evans. “He’s just a fast guy. He’s just super fast, and I feel like he’s going to do a great deal.”

Now that training camp has ended, the receiver room gears up for its first test of the season against West Virginia in two days. While the expectations and pressure are through the roof for Penn State this season, Meiga said he’s excited to play in front of the fans again.

“Just being back in the stadium with the fans,” said Meiga. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. I feel like we’re just going to go out there and execute like we’re been doing all camp. Trying to go 1-0.“

Micheal Bolger is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mpb6233@psu.edu.