Penn State Football: Top-25 players of the James Franklin Era

Penn State Football: Top-25 players of the James Franklin Era

Pat Freiermuth is a player who burst onto the scene as a freshman for the Nittany Lions from his tight end position, hauling in eight touchdowns and 368 yards in his first season. Not to be outdone the following season, Freiermuth kept the good times rolling as a sophomore, racking up over 500 yards through the air, while hauling in another seven touchdown passes.

During his sophomore season, he was named not only second-team All-Big Ten but also second-team all-American, establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in college football. While the 2020 campaign was cut short due to the pandemic, he was still able to haul in over 300 yards and a touchdown and was named All-Big Ten once again.

For his efforts, Freiermuth won the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year Award, given to the best tight end in the Big 10, as he broke the Penn State record for most touchdowns receptions by a tight end, passing Mike Gesicki. A red zone monster due to his athleticism and size, he is widely regarded as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and is the second-best tight end to ever play for James Franklin.