Out of all of the storylines heading into Penn State football’s season opener against West Virginia on Saturday, defensive end Abdul Carter and wide receiver Julian Fleming garnered extra attention.

Fleming, a former Penn State recruiting target and Ohio State transfer, made his first start in the blue and white in a wide receiver room in need of a boost after struggling last season. Carter, a 2023 first-team All-Big Ten honoree, debuted at defensive end after playing linebacker during his first two years with the program.

While the Penn State offense put up 34 points with 235 passing yards Saturday, Fleming wasn’t targeted at all. Carter had just one tackle during the win and was called for two offsides penalties and a personal foul for a late hit.

Despite not appearing much on the stat sheet, James Franklin said the wideout and the edge rusher still had a big impact on the success the Nittany Lions enjoyed in Morgantown.

Even though he didn’t receive a target, Franklin said that he tried to get Fleming involved in the game but the coverages never worked out in the receiver’s favor.

“The most important thing is, the things that he could control, he controlled,” Franklin said about Fleming. “He blocked really well, and he ran good routes.”

Fleming’s route running helped open up the offense, too. Beau Pribula’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Tyler Warren was opened up by Fleming taking the safety through the middle of the field.

“Here he is late in the game, still running great routes to put us in a position to make a great play,” Franklin said.

On the opposite side of the ball, Carter caught the penalty bug.

Early in the third quarter, Carter was flagged for an offsides, giving the Mountaineers a first-and-five from their own 16-yard line. On the very next play, Carter was called for a late hit on West Virginia running back C.J. Donaldson after he had gone out of bounds.

It didn’t end there, as Carter added one more offsides penalty in the fourth quarter.

“There’s been a bunch of buzz about his ability on the field, but I’m also really proud of his growth off the field,” Franklin said. “We were able to have some conversations about the penalties yesterday and his ability to take constructive criticism and be accountable for it was really impressive.”

Carter had just one tackle on Saturday, but Franklin believes that the edge rusher still pressured quarterback Garrett Greene while other Nittany Lions may have officially picked up the sack. Carter still has time to grow, and Franklin expects him to be a presence on the defensive line for the rest of the year.

“His first game as a full-time defensive end was very disruptive, and I think he’s going to get better each week,” Franklin said. “I think he’s going to have a big year for us, and he’s set himself up for really bright things in his future.”