By Andy Stine

astine@altoonamirror.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State’s Omari Evans enjoyed a breakout game in the Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State that the Lions have been looking for throughout the season in the wide receivers group.

Trey Wallace was the No.1 WR throughout the season, but there has not been anyone that separated themselves as another playmaker. Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming were really the only other candidates for a breakout, and both have only shown flashes.

It was a breath of fresh air for James Franklin to see Evans emerge with a 55-yard performance on two catches, including a 38-yard touchdown on a deep route.

Evans’ speed is a “superpower,” according to Franklin, who noted that Evans was a former high school quarterback before switching to wideout upon coming to campus.

“He’s making plays vertically down the field, and I think we are using him in the right way,” Franklin said Saturday during preparation for Thursday’s Orange Bowl CFP semifinal against Notre Dame (7:30 p.m., ESPN). “His confidence is soaring right now.

“The scary part is I don’t think Omari is anywhere close to where he can be. I think as we continue to play this year, he’s just going to keep getting better.”

Evans acknowledged that he’s “way better” than he was at the beginning of 2024.

“My coaches tell me there’s a lot of growth left, and the sky’s the limit,” Evans said. “I feel like I’m just at the beginning point of what I can be.”

The next step is for Evans to be a threat for any route on any down, which quarterback Drew Allar said is a real possibility.

“I’m ready to show everyone I’m not just a deep guy,” Evans said.

Carter update

Penn State star defensive end Abdul Carter suffered an arm/shoulder injury in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl and did not return to the game.

Franklin, who rarely discusses injuries with the media, said he doesn’t think there is anything stopping Carter from playing against Notre Dame.

“It’s going to come down to how he feels and how much practice he’s able to get during the week,” Franklin said.

Waiting on Singleton

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton has not decided whether he will return to school for his senior season or declare for the NFL Draft.

He will make a decision after the season is over. The deadline to declare for the draft is Jan. 15, but an extension is granted until Jan. 24 for players that compete in the national championship.

But there are conversations going on behind closed doors between Franklin and players like Singleton that have a decision to make.

Kaytron Allen will also be faced with that decision, and Drew Allar also said he would return to school in December.

“(Franklin) tells you the pros and cons,” Singleton said. “He’s been really good. Either way, he’s always going to have my support. Coach Franklin is amazing.”

Tyler Warren had a similar choice to make last year and ultimately decided that a potential run in the College Football Playoffs was too great to pass up. Warren is now seeing the fruits of returning to State College.

“There’s no right answer in those situations for a lot of guys,” Warren said. “I feel like I was kind of in a similar situation. It would’ve been good if I decided to leave or good if I came back. They’re going to take care of you either way.”