Penn State Football: Young receivers starting to shine
KJ Hamler and Pat Freiermuth are known names for Penn State football’s offense already and there could be even more freshmen joining their run soon.
Upperclassmen at the wide receiver position were supposed to lead Penn State football’s passing game but that hasn’t been the case. The explosive freshmen have stepped up and become huge contributors in the passing game.
In fact, 55 of the team’s 131 receptions have come from freshmen this year. KJ Hamler and Pat Freiermuth lead that list with 41 combined receptions with Hamler leading the team with 29 snares. As great as those two have been at creating some consistency in the pass game, and they deserve all the praise thrown their way, it’s the other guys that are starting to step up and fill in as well.
Our contributor Corey Hunter pulled out his crystal ball and predicted that many of the younger guys would make an impact, and he proved correct. True freshman Jahan Dotson was just the most recent name to make the most of his reps, catching three passes for 31 yards in the last two weeks. At 5-foot-11, 169 pounds, he’s another burner that adds depth to the H-receiver position behind Hamler.
In terms of the redshirt freshmen, Mac Hippenhammer and Cam Sullivan-Brown are quietly making waves for the future. Hippenhammer has been the most productive of the rest of the freshman receiving pool, catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. He has caught a pass in four separate games and figures to see more reps if the veterans continue to struggle at slot receiver.
Out wide, Sullivan-Brown caught three passes for 40 yards in a two-game stint against Michigan State and Indiana. He’s provided a nice target when he’s gotten the chance behind Juwan Johnson. Depending on whether Johnson returns or enters the draft, he should get more opportunities if he continues to perform. However, his spot is a little tougher to see time at. Johnson is playing at a more reliable state than many other receivers on the team.
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I’m not saying all these guys will go out and replace the veterans immediately, but they’re pushing these guys to stay on their toes and keep working to eliminate drops.
