Penn State Spring Storyline: Who Will Replace Chris Godwin as the Top Receiver?

Which Penn State player will replace top receiver Chris Godwin?

As the Penn State Nittany Lions progress through spring practice there are several things to watch. One of the biggest storylines this season will be finding a replacement for top receiver Chris Godwin. Fortunately, there are a few candidates who are ready to step in and take over the No. 1 receiver role for the Nittany Lions.

Godwin was the top receiver the past two seasons, but he elected to forego his senior season and head to the NFL.

Even with the departure of Godwin, the Nittany Lions are stacked with talent and experience at the wide receiver position. It will just be a matter of who will step up and transform into the legit No. 1 receiver.

Spring practice, including the Blue-White game, will be the first opportunity to see who turns into the top receiver.

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The obvious choice would be DaeSean Hamilton. The fifth-year senior was the best receiver in the Big Ten during his redshirt freshman season in 2014. He finished that season with 82 receptions for 899 yards and two touchdowns.

Unfortunately for Hamilton, he hasn’t been able to duplicate the production he put up in his first season. Godwin emerged as the top receiver in 2015 and Hamilton’s numbers declined in each of the past two seasons. However, 2017 represents an opportunity for Hamilton to once again be the leader of Penn State’s receiving corps.

If Hamilton doesn’t emerge as the top receiver, that title could go to Saeed Blacknall. The senior enjoyed a bit of a breakout in 2016 and could be in store for big things this season.

Blacknall made just 15 receptions last season, but finished with 347 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a dangerous downfield threat that’s averaged 27 yards per catch over the past two seasons.

He was suspended for the Rose Bowl, but ended his year on a high note in the Big Ten Championship. He played a huge role in the win over Wisconsin, making six catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Blacknall turned into a favorite and reliable target for quarterback Trace McSorley and could emerge as the top receiver in 2017.

While Hamilton and Blacknall are the two likely candidates to take over the top spot, guys likes Juwan Johnson, Irvin Charles, and DeAndre Thompkins will also be in the conversation.

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Penn State does a good job spreading the ball around on offense, and also utilizes tight end Mike Gesicki in the passing game. For that reason, there may not be a big need for a No. 1 receiver. However, someone is going to need to replace Godwin’s production, so keep an eye on the situation this spring to see who emerges.

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