Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State Football: 2017 Fiesta Bowl Position Grades

By Collin Wieder

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with fans after defeating the Washington Huskies in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with fans after defeating the Washington Huskies in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 9
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown on a 48 yard reception during the first quarter while dragging Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies into the endzone during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Penn State won 35-28. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown on a 48 yard reception during the first quarter while dragging Byron Murphy #1 of the Washington Huskies into the endzone during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Penn State won 35-28. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Receivers / Tight Ends

Seven players caught passes in the receiving corp Saturday, and the production begins with the two seniors: DaeSean Hamilton and Mike Gesicki. Hamilton stretched the Huskies’ secondary and made them pay going for five catches, 110 yards and two touchdowns. His speed was too much to handle and McSorley gave him two perfect throws over the top.

Gesicki ended his senior game-high 6 catches for 62 yards. He didn’t haul in one of the downfield throws for 30-plus, but he made him the routine catches. He continually creates space and opens up the passing game when McSorley takes off to scramble.

Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins gave Penn State football fans a taste of the future. They combined for eight catches and 101 yards. Johnson placed second on the team in most receiving categories, so he’s not unknown. However, his skill set has even more opportunities next year.

He’ll be relied upon to fill in for Gesicki’s departing size and possession catches. Thompkins made a key catch as well down the sideline. He’ll replace Hamilton’s speed out wide.

Grade: A+

Home/Penn State Football