Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Ohio State
Receivers / Tight Ends
Of the skill positions, no group performed better than the receiving core. They put McSorley in winning spots all game. He didn’t always find them accurately, but the receivers adjusted or were in position to help.
Gesicki deserves the most credit for this grade. He boxed out defenders like he was on the hardwood. Although he had just six catches, they all seemed significant, none bigger than a third down conversion late in the game to keep the field goal drive alive.
The rest of McSorley’s 11 completions were spread out amongst Barkley and the remaining receiving core. Juwan Johnson caught three passes for 29 yards. His usual over-the-middle presence didn’t standout the same, but he failed to catch only one pass on the night. Johnson and McSorley weren’t synced up.
DaeSean Hamilton and DeAndre Thompkins tallied the two touchdown passes. However, they combined for just one other catch on the day. They showed up when it mattered, but neither got too many opportunities.