Penn State Football 2018 Early Position Preview: Wide Receiver

Penn State football brings a mix of veterans and newcomers at wide receiver into the 2018 season

For the second straight season Penn State is forced to replace its leading wide receiver from the previous year. DaeSean Hamilton stepped up to replace Chris Godwin last year — who will take a step into the spotlight this season?

Juwan Johnson appears to be the frontrunner to take over the number one wide receiver position in 2018. He’s entering his third season with the Nittany Lions and has only scratched the surface of his potential at the collegiate level.

Johnson came to Penn State with a lot of hype, including the moniker of “Megatron Jr.” thanks to his tall frame. He was given a red shirt his first season and didn’t see much action as a redshirt freshman in 2016.

However, 2017 served as a breakout season for Johnson.

He hauled in 54 catches for 701 yards. The only knock on his stats could be the fact that he scored just once. However, that one touchdown happened to be a huge one. Down four points at Iowa, Johnson caught a seven-yard pass in the end zone with no time remaining.

Johnson will look to build on his strong 2017 performance this year.

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Joining Johnson as one of the veterans of the receivers group will be DeAndre Thompkins. The speedy senior hasn’t been overly used during his first three seasons with the Nittany Lions, but that could change this year.

Thompkins has a clear path to a starting job in 2018 and will look to increase his production. The speedy receiver could see time both split out and in the slot. So far at Penn State he has put up 58 receptions for 916 yards and four touchdowns.

Like Thompkins, Brandon Polk will look to bounce back from some inconsistency and could see an increased role in 2018. This will actually be Polk’s fourth season on the field at Penn State, but he’ll still have another year of eligibility next year thanks to a medical redshirt that was granted after playing in just three games during the 2016 season.

Polk is another speedy player who could create headaches for defensive coordinators. Not only can he catch, but he can be utilized as a dangerous weapon in the ground game. Aside from producing on offense, look for Polk to play a role on special teams.

After the three returning players, there are some question marks on the depth chart. There’s definitely talent and potential, but everything is unproven to this point. Redshirt freshmen Mac Hippenhammer and KJ Hamler were both highly touted recruits coming out of high school.

Look for both players to have a role this year.

The most talented receiver of the entire bunch could be true freshman Justin Shorter. The five-star recruit was ranked as the best wide receiver available and the No. 8 player overall according to 247Sports.

Shorter racked up over 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns in high school. At six-foot-four, Shorter will be tough to go up against for opposing defenders.

With the mix of veterans and new players, Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley will have plenty of options when it comes to slinging the ball around in 2018.

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