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The next K.J. Hamler? He might already be on Penn State’s roster

By Matt Lombardo

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with KJ Hamler #1 after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with KJ Hamler #1 after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Penn State football wide receiver Jahan Dotson says he’s ready to make big leap and become the Nittany Lions’ deep threat.

K.J. Hamler was the engine that kicked the Penn State‘s offense into overdrive last season, but as new offensive coordinator Kirk Cirrocca looks to build a scheme around big plays downfield, the Nittany Lions might have an ideal successor waiting to take the next step.

Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, a former four-star prospect, enters his junior season in line for an expanded role.

Last season, Dotson was Penn State’s third-leading receiver, with 27 catches for 488 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 18 yards per reception. Likely to inherit one of the Nittany Lions’ starting receiver jobs, he has the chance to develop into one of quarterback Sean Clifford’s favorite targets.

Dotson, 5-foot-8 and 183 pounds has almost an identical frame to Hamler, who was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the second-round of April’s NFL Draft. He hopes to be as dangerous a weapon as his Hamler was, Especially when it comes Yards After The Catch, Dotson told reporters, according to LehighValleyLive.com 

"“My game, I feel like having the ball in my hands, that’s where my game is going to have to improve this year. Just the run after catch. The YAC yards. Just making guys miss in the open field. Getting the ball in space and making a play. Making a play for the team.”"

While Dotson might not have Hamler’s game-breaking speed, timed at just 4.73 in the 40-yard dash as a recruit, he has the chance to be a playmaker due to his elusiveness and reliable hands, whether he lines up on the outside or in the slot.

The Nittany Lions’ offense will likely be funneled through the ground attack with one of the nation’s deepest and most talented backfields featuring Journey Brown, Noah Cain, and Devyn Ford.

But, Ciarrocca has made no secret his desire to create explosive plays downfield, and Dotson wants to be on the receiving end of his share of them, as he said via LehighValleyLive.com.

"“Ciarrocca, he’s a mastermind. He’s probably the smartest person I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to take on this season with him.”"

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