Penn State Football: Position grades versus Ohio State
By Dylan Burd
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
As it’s normally has been for Penn State, it was a roller coaster day for the wide receivers in this game. K.J Hamler was once again incredible as he has been all season, catching four passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown went for 93 yards, as Hamler showed off his incredible speed on the play.
https://twitter.com/PennStateFball/status/1046210212884090880
Unfortunately for Hamler, he was injured early in the fourth quarter while taking a huge hit and didn’t return to the game. Juwan Johnson had five receptions for 61 yards, including one of the most ridiculous one-handed catches you’ll ever see.
OH MY @Ju_heard_! 👀 https://t.co/7KbEvWuu4B
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 30, 2018
However, Johnson had a few drops, including a dropped touchdown in the end zone in the fourth quarter on a perfect pass from Trace McSorley. Drops have been a huge problem for Juwan Johnson this season, the main reason his NFL Draft stock isn’t skying up like many expected it to.
Drops have also been a problem for Brandon Polk, who caught one pass for 20 yards in the game, but had another crucial drop late in the game. Mac Hippenhammer was the only other wide receiver to catch a pass, as he caught one for 21 yards. DeAndre Thompkins didn’t catch a pass.
While the wide receivers were shaky at times, the sole tight end to catch a pass in this game, Pat Freiermuth excelled. The six-foot-five true freshman caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown in the game. He has a ton of potential, and will have a major role on this team going forward.
Overall, it was another average day for the receiving corps. If these players can’t limit their drops, then Penn State is going to have a hard time becoming that “elite” team that James Franklin says they need to become.