Penn State Football: KJ Hamler’s speed headlines starting role

Penn State football receiver KJ Hamler opened the year on the starting depth chart. The speedy receiver completes a solid receiving trio.

One of the biggest storylines of the game one depth chart has to be KJ Hamler‘s appearance atop the slot position. Penn State football boasted veteran DeAndre Thompkins and Brandon Polk as returners at that spot. However, Hamler beat out both for the starting job with Thompkins starting outside and Polk backing him up.

The move turned out was quite the surprise, considering Hamler is a redshirt freshman. According to the Collegian, Thompkins was projected to start in the slot, while Polk went to the outside spot. Thompkins had 58 catches, 916 yards and six total touchdowns to his name, and he seemed like the best option. The senior receiver has proven himself to be a strong starter. He obviously gets his shot at the outside, but it’s a surprise for sure.

In reference to Brandon Polk, he had rapport with McSorley playing with him in high school and had 36 career touches for Penn State. Hamler caught one pass for 50 yards and added one carry for 10 more on the ground. He was a star in high school, garnering four stars as a receiving prospect.

Hamler had enough athletic talent and speed to play at IMG Academy in 2016. While he was there, IMG went 12-0 and won a national title. Although he did not get to play, IMG has a reputation for churning out top-tier athletes. Hamler’s redshirt year gave him a chance to adjust to the college game.

Along with strong, No. 1 wide out Juwan Johnson and Thompkins, Hamler has a chance to breakout early. He’ll get a lot of one-on-one coverage with defenses trying to double-up on Johnson.

Mac Hippenhammer will provide depth at the slot receiver spot. His performance in the spring game gives the Nittany Lions a solid one-two punch at the position. He caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the blue-white game.