Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State Football: Nittany Lions still stacked at wide receiver for 2017

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Juwan Johnson (84) runs with the ball after a catch during the second quarter of the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Juwan Johnson (84) runs with the ball after a catch during the second quarter of the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Even with the departure of the top receiver Chris Godwin, Penn State still boasts a talented depth chart at the wide receiver position. 

Last season, the Penn State Nittany Lions had one of the top passing offenses in both the Big Ten Conference and the nation. Led by quarterback Trace McSorley and wide receiver Chris Godwin, the Nittany Lions were able to make huge plays in the passing attack. Even with Godwin gone to the NFL in 2017, Penn State is still stacked at wide receiver.

Some teams could struggle from losing someone as talented as Godwin. He was the leading receiver the past two seasons and racked up a total of 2,083 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns over that span. 

Fortunately, the Nittany Lions have ways to make up that production. Saeed Blacknall, DaeSean Hamilton, Juwan Johnson, DeAndre Thompkins, and Irvin Charles will all be back.

More from Victory Bell Rings

Blacknall broke out at the end of last season before being suspended for the Rose Bowl. He ended his season with a huge game in the Big Ten Championship, racking up 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Blacknall averaged over 20 yards a catch last year and proved to be a dangerous downfield threat.

Hamilton, who was the top receiver before Godwin burst onto the scene, has been quiet the last two seasons. However, he’s got talent, as evident by his 82 receptions and 899 yards in 2014.

Juwan Johnson has already been tabbed as a breakout player and could quickly emerge as the top receiver for the Nittany Lions this season. He made just two catches a year ago but totaled 70 yards. His tall frame makes him an excellent target for quarterback Trace McSorley.

Tabbed as “Megatron Jr” when he was a recruit and considered a top receiver in the 2015 recruiting class, 2017 could be a huge season for Johnson.

While Blacknall, Hamilton, and Johnson will likely be the lead trio, guys like Thompkins, Charles, and the returning Brandon Polk will add to the depth. Redshirt freshman Dae’lun Darien and true freshman K.J. Hamler are also ones to keep an eye on.

Next: Penn State Football: Jason Cabinda leads the loaded Nittany Lions

Throw in tight end Mike Gesicki, and the Nittany Lions are fully loaded with pass catchers for the upcoming season.

Home/Penn State Football