Penn State Football 2020 Season Position Grades: Offense

Tight End

Grade: B-

Even though junior Pat Freiermuth only played in four games, and played two of them through a nagging shoulder injury, he was still named the Big Ten tight end of the year for 2020. His 23 receptions for 310 yards and one touchdown all rank near the top of the conference, despite limited action.

With Freiermuth out, Penn State football turned to redshirt freshman Brenton Strange and freshman Theo Johnson to handled the tight end duties.

Strange was seeing a lot of reps even with Freiermuth in the lineup, mostly as a blocker, and a very good one at that. In addition to his blocking, Strange came on as a pass catcher towards the end of the season. He finished the year with 17 catches, 164 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson may be even more of a prospect, listed at six-foot-six and 251 pounds he is a prototypical tight end. He only caught four passes this season, two of which came in the season finale against Illinois. He showed off his speed getting up the seem where quarterback Will Levis hit him for a 23 yard gain, making a tough catch in traffic and holding on as he absorbed a big hit.

The injury to Freiermuth undoubtedly hurt the Nittany Lions this season, however did get Strange and Johnson more crucial reps that will pay in 2021.