Penn State Football: Who will step up behind Pat Freiermuth at tight end?

There’s plenty of tight end talent on the depth chart for Penn State football

Over the past few seasons, Penn State football has been blessed with having very talented tight ends. From Kyle Carter to Adam Breneman to Mike Gesicki, the tight end has been an important part of Penn State’s offense. Current sophomore Pat Freiermuth appears to be the next star tight end for the Nittany Lions. The question is: who will step up behind him on the depth chart?

Tight end was a bit of a question mark heading into last season, as there were several options to replace Gesicki as the starter. However, just a few games into the season, it was clear that Freiermuth, a true freshman, was both willing and talented enough to step into the role of starting tight end for the Nittany Lions.

Freiermuth had a very productive first season and quickly became quarterback Trace McSorley’s favorite weapon. The talented tight end had 26 receptions for 368 yards and led the team with eight touchdowns.

2019 should once again prove to be a productive year for Freiermuth.

While Freiermuth will be the main target at tight end, it’s necessary to have solid depth behind him. Nick Bowers and Jonathan Holland, both redshirt seniors, are the most experienced players who will battle to win the role of backup.

Bowers came to Penn State as a member of the 2015 recruiting class. He was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and the No. 23 tight end available in the class. A native of Kittanning, PA, Bowers chose to stay close to home when he selected Penn State.

Bowers played in nine game last season, recording a total of six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Holland has also been around the program since 2015. He was a three-star defensive lineman but was converted to tight end at Penn State due to depth issues. The fifth-year senior has seen limited playing time and has 10 career catches for 130 yards.

Perhaps the most talented player on the roster is Zack Kuntz. He only played in one game as a true freshman last year, but entered Penn State as a four-star recruit and the No. 4 tight end in the 2018 class.

Look for Kuntz to see ample playing time this season and officially take over as the No. 2 tight end.

Regardless of who officially takes over as the No. 2 tight end, the coaching staff certainly has some options at the position.