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Penn State Football: Position Grades versus Akron

By Collin Wieder

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Alvin Davis #1 of the Akron Zips knocks Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions from his feet during the second half on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Akron 52-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Alvin Davis #1 of the Akron Zips knocks Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions from his feet during the second half on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Akron 52-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hangs on to a touchdown reception as James King #2 of the Akron Zips attempts to tackle at 0:49 in the first quarter on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hangs on to a touchdown reception as James King #2 of the Akron Zips attempts to tackle at 0:49 in the first quarter on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Receivers / Tight Ends

I so wanted to give this group an A-plus especially with how great Juwan Johnson and Mike Gesicki played. But, a trustworthy veteran didn’t quite come through in week one. DaeSean Hamilton had an uncharacteristic performance dropping some early passes, but he’s good for a bounce back game. In fact, he began righting the ship early on with three catches for 74 yards.

Penn State football’s receiving crop did a brilliant job otherwise. Juwan Johnson made quite an impression as a deep threat snaring four passes for 84 yards. He did it all reaching for tough catches and sticking his nose in against Akron’s safety.

Mike Gesicki didn’t miss a beat leading the team in catches (six) and touchdowns (two). His size and speed still caused fits beating any that covered him. He even showed his awareness on the RPO (run-pass option) taking the pitch for a nice first down gain.

DeAndre Thompkins caught two passes for 29 yards and did well, but he contributed more on special teams. His 61-yard return opened up the scoring, but we credit him in this category.

Grade: A-

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