Penn State football: KJ Hamler’s impact goes beyond making plays
Recently, Penn State football wide receivers coach Gerad Parker discussed KJ Hamler’s impact within the program.
The Penn State football program is looking to have a successful season in the air on offense in 2019. Despite having their best quarterback in program history on board just last season, the passing game sure had its flaws. And a lot of it had to do with drops by the young wideouts.
Even in 2019, the starting wideouts on board are still considered to be young. As the four-star Sophomore, KJ Hamler headlines the unit, the youth still shows. However, despite being considered young, Hamler still understands his role within the program.
The multi-talented athlete’s purpose goes well beyond running routes, catching passes, and returning punts. As a respected figure in the locker room, Hamler has taken it upon himself to act as a leader as well — and none of his actions are manufactured. According to Lions’ wide receivers coach Gerad Parker, it just all comes naturally with Hamler’s personality.
“He’s electric on the field, and he’s also electric off of it,” Parker said during a conference call this week while discussing his position with the Lions. Many might see a very talented, yet cocky personality in Hamler while he’s on the field. But his ‘diva-ish’ character actually creates a positive impact for the Nittany Lions culture in 2019.
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According to Parker, Hamler might have high-energy and is always running his mouth, but most of the time, his words spoken are typically positive. Anybody the Sophomore wide receiver comes across tends to enjoy his company.
As the positions coach mentioned, “He treats people the right way. He treats my kids first class – they love him – he treats my wife first class. She loves him. This kid’s approach to life is a really, really positive thing, and that’s something that people want to be around.”
While Parker discusses the value of Hamler within the wide receivers unit, it’s also necessary to note the significant impact Hamler had last week in the Nittany Lions matchup against Idaho. Besides catching four passes for over 100 yards, and two touchdowns, Hamler played a critical role in getting his quarterback, Sean Clifford in the right state of mind.
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As the young passer was visibly nervous early on due to it being his first start, Hamler took notice. So after a calming sideline discussion between the two, Clifford was able to get his mind right for the next couple of quarters.
After that talk with his No. 1 target, Clifford ended up having himself a day on the field, which he immediately credited KJ Hamler for following the victory, further proving that Hamler’s value goes well beyond the football field for the Penn State Nittany Lions.