Penn State Football 2019 Early Position Preview: Special Teams

How will Penn State’s special teams shape up this year?

Special teams, even more than the offensive line, is often overlooked. Of course, when something goes wrong, the unit is in the limelight. Last season, Penn State really had some struggles on special teams, particularly late in the year. With many of the same players around, what will the group look like this year?

Starting with the staple of the group, Blake Gillikin will be back for his senior season. He’s been the starter for the past three seasons, and nothing will change this year. Gillikin is the school leader in career punting average and has been one of the best punters in the Big Ten.

The kicking game should once again feature a duo, with Rafael Checa handling the kickoff duties, and Jake Pinegar kicking the field goals and extra points. Last year, Pinegar converted 53 of his 55 extra points, but struggled on field goals, converting at just 67 percent.

For now, Pinegar should enter 2019 as the starter, but if he struggles again, head coach James Franklin could have no choice but to look for other options. He’s already offered Jordan Stout, a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech.

The return game will once again feature the electric KJ Hamler. As a redshirt freshman, Hamler served as the primary kick returner last year, racking up 523 yards on 20 returns. He’ll serve as the main kick returner again in 2019.

He also returned 14 punts for 96 yards, but wasn’t the primary punt returner. That title went to DeAndre Thompkins, who returned 18 punts for 176 yards and a touchdown. However, Thompkins  graduated, leaving a hole at the punt returner position.

Guys like wide receivers Mac Hippenhammer and Jahan Dotson could fill that role this year. However, perhaps a better option would be fifth-year senior John Reid. Before getting injured in 2017, the cornerback did an admirable job as the primary punt returner.

There’s still some things to figure out on special teams during the offseason, so keep an eye on how things shake out once the regular season begins.