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Penn State Football 2018: Three Nittany Lions to Watch Against Michigan State

By Corey Hunter

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Trace McSorley
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Trace McSorley /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 2 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 2 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 29, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

TE – Pat Freiermuth

True freshman Pat Freiermuth may be the next great Penn State tight end in what is becoming a strong position for the Lions.  Entering 2018, Penn State fans wondered how the Nittany Lions would be able to replace All-Big Ten tight end selection Mike Gesicki as a primary passing weapon in Trace McSorley’s arsenal.  Up until three weeks ago, the role had been admirably filled by Jonathan Holland and Danny Dalton.  Then came Pat Freiermuth’s opportunity.

Against Kent State, Freiermuth got his first extended action, and he was able to reel in two passes for 35 yards.  The following week against Illinois he posted his first touchdown reception on a five-yard stumbling score. It was his only reception of the game.  So, not much was expected from Freiermuth against Ohio State until he was given the starting nod.

The start against Ohio State was the first of his collegiate career, and he didn’t disappoint.  He became one of McSorley’s most trusted receiving outlets as the game wore on. He caught his second career touchdown on a nice grab in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, and he snared a 27-yard reception setting up the Lions in plus territory on the game’s final drive.

It’s clear that moving forward, the role of the tight end will continue to evolve, but Pat Freiermuth will be an integral part of the Lions offense.  The Merrimac, MA native may not be counted on to catch as many passes as someone like Mike Gesicki did, but it’s evident McSorley has a lot of faith and trust in him as does his head coach.

When Franklin was asked about Freiermuth, he had this to say (via:GoPSUSports.com), “I think the thing that we notice pretty quickly is the stage just isn’t too big for him.”

On Saturday watch to see if his role within the offense continues to grow and expand.  McSorley seems to be building a solid rapport with his freshman tight end. The addition of another passing weapon will certainly make Penn State an even more difficult offense to defend against.

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