Penn State Football: TE Mike Gesicki Primed for a Big Season
Mike Gesicki is primed for a big senior season in 2017.
After struggling through his first two seasons at Penn State, tight end Mike Gesicki had a breakout season in 2016. He transformed into a major weapon in the passing game and is poised for even bigger things this season.
Gesicki finished second on the team in 2016 with 48 catches and 679 yards. He also finished second with five touchdown receptions.
The talented tight end finally reached the potential that he showed while in high school. Gesicki entered Penn State as a four-star recruit and the No. 6 tight end available in the 2014 recruiting class.
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During his first two years in Happy Valley, Gesicki appeared to be a bit of a bust. He struggled with dropped passes and mistakes and couldn’t seem to get into a groove on the offense. Previous to last year, he recorded just 24 catches, 239 yards, and one touchdown.
However, things finally clicked in 2016.
Gesicki excelled under the direction of new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, who came to Penn State with a history of making good use of his tight ends.
Along with Moorhead’s offense, the arrival and success of new quarterback Trace McSorley also helped in Gesicki’s progression. The Nittany Lions turned into one of the most dangerous passing offenses in the nation.
Gesicki became known for his ability to leap for the ball and finished the season with a spectacular touchdown catch in each of the last three games.
Penn State enters the new season without a true No. 1 receiver. Chris Godwin has left for the NFL Draft, meaning that someone else is going to have to step up. The door will be open for Gesicki to put up some big numbers.
Standing at six-foot-six, he creates a matchup nightmare, particularly when he’s covered by linebackers.
Next: Penn State Football: Nittany Lions Have Stockpile of Talented Receivers for 2017
No longer plagued by the drops, Gesicki is primed for a big season in 2017. He’ll start the year as one of the top returning tight ends in the nation and will once again be a huge part of the Penn State passing attack.