Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Nebraska

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a leaping touchdown reception above the hands of Chris Weber #49 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a leaping touchdown reception above the hands of Chris Weber #49 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: DeAndre Thompkins #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: DeAndre Thompkins #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Receivers / Tight Ends

What a way to close out the careers of Mike Gesicki and DeAndre Thompkins. The duo combined for three touchdowns and helped close out a record-breaking year in terms of the air attack. Five receivers caught two more passes and four caught four or more.

The passing game’s depth knows no limits. Johnson led the way with five catches for 105 yards, while Gesicki and DaeSean Hamilton followed with four catches each. There’s no No. 1 wide out this year for Penn State football and that’s ok. There’s no top guy, but there are several 1a’s and 1b’s.

In all, this group came up big at every moment. Johnson proved for the umpteenth time that he’s a bona fide stud and should be the No. 1 option next year. He makes one-handed jump balls look routine.

And since it was senior day, this grade needs to involve Saeed Blacknall‘s one catch for 22 yards. Although he hasn’t broken out like expected, Blacknall has made highlight reel plays in clutch moments, so he deserves a mention.

Grade: A+