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Penn State Football 2018 Player Profile: TE Joe Arcangelo

By Collin Wieder

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: An overhead view of the American flag on the field during the national anthem prior to the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between Penn State Nittany Lions and Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: An overhead view of the American flag on the field during the national anthem prior to the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between Penn State Nittany Lions and Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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The tight end position stands wide open for Penn State football. Redshirt junior Joe Arcangelo could see some snaps this year.

All-world player Mike Gesicki and backup Tom Pancoast left Penn State football thin at tight end for the upcoming year. The Nittany Lions return two players with a combined four catches at the position in juniors Jonathan Holland and Nick Bowers. Both have a chance to see playing time but so does fellow junior Joe Arcangelo.

At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, Arcangelo has the size of a solid blocking tight end. He proved that during his high school career. According to his profile on PSU’s website, he was regarded as one of the top blocking tight ends in his area. Penn State’s offense could always use another wrinkle. Gesicki obviously focused more on catching the football. Arcangelo could boost the run game as an extra blocker on the line.

Despite his blocking prowess, his receiving skills caught the eye of fans at the Blue and White game. Arcangelo caught two passes for seven yards including the white team’s lone touchdown from three yards out. For most of his time in Happy Valley, he had not been heard from much, but he is on people’s radar now.

Arcangelo transferred in after spending his freshman year at Bucknell in 2015. After a year off due to transfer, he saw time against Georgia State but logged no stats. Behind tight ends Gesicki, Pancoast, Jonathan Holland and Nick Bowers, the depth chart looked stacked against him.

Fast forward to this year, he got some solid reps in the spring game and made a few decent, short-range catches. There are talented players in front of him and better receivers, but he could find some time as an extra blocker on the line. He could be a massive help on an offensive line that’s gone through some struggles.

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His solid blocking and sneaky receiving skills should see time at points this fall. Just when a team thinks he is headed to run block, he might sneak out for a red zone touchdown.

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