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Penn State Football: Saeed Blacknall must step in where Godwin left off

By Collin Wieder

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State football returns a lot of its 2016 playmakers. Regardless, Chris Godwin is gone to the NFL. The best fit in his spot is Saeed Blacknall.

Penn State football jump-started its offense last season with speed all across the receiving corp. The Nittany Lions shredded opposing secondaries using the deep ball, and Trace McSorley’s arm to spread defenses thin. Receivers Chris Godwin, DaeSean Hamilton, Deandre Thompkins, Saeed Blacknall and tight end Mike Gesicki torched defenses.

Unfortunately for Penn State, Godwin, the leader of this lighting fast group, left for the NFL. In fact, Godwin was drafted in the 3rd round by the Tampa Bay Bucs this weekend at the NFL Draft. Anytime a team loses its leading receiver It’s tough, but Godwin was just one piece in Penn State’s explosive air attack.

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A lot of the other names mentioned have proven themselves to be solid starters, but one name that has unbelievable potential and could fill Godwin’s role is Blacknall. The senior wide out put up his best season last year. He caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 23.7 yards per reception.

Blacknall shows flashes

Blacknall continued to show glimpses throughout the year, but it never came together for the entire season. Despite his inconsistent play, Blacknall can blow the lid off a defense in one play (video courtesy of Big Ten Network).

Against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, the Nittany Lions fell behind 28-7 early in the second quarter. In two plays, Penn State jumped right back into the game. Blacknall caught touchdown passes of 40-and 70-yards to cut the lead back to seven and breathe life into the offense.

Blacknall actually holds better physical traits than Godwin. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 212-pounds, both of which are bigger than Godwin. Furthermore, he’s blazing fast giving McSorley a perfect downfield target.

Now, there are still problems in this equation. Blacknall didn’t find his way onto the field really until his junior year, which begs the question why he wasn’t playing earlier. In addition, he was suspended for the Rose Bowl for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

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In order for him to take that next step forward, he needs to be reliable and on the field. Blacknall has all the physical traits and some of the production to be that guy. Still, he needs to make it happen or be just a fifth receiver for his final season.

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