Penn State Football: 5 freshman who can make big impact on 2021 season

3. Liam Clifford

The true freshman receiver, and brother of quarterback Sean Clifford, Liam Clifford faces a situation similar to that of Elsdon.

The first team receiver group is set with star Jahan Dotson and two promising sophomores in Keandre Lambert-Smith and Parker Washington. But, like linebacker, the second team reps are there for the taking.

While veterans like Daniel George and Cam Sullivan-Brown are the likely candidates to fill spots on the second team, Clifford could slide into the final hole on the second team.

At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Clifford is physically ready to play in the Big Ten. In the past, many freshmen have been ready physically to play, but lacked the grasp of the offense and the college game. That is an area Clifford has an advantage in because of who his brother is.

Having a life-long connection with the starting quarterback is an element that not many, if any, other receivers in the country can claim to have. That connection will come in handy during Fall camp as Clifford doesn’t need to build a relationship with the quarterback, something the other young wideouts will have to do.

Guys like Malick Meiga, Jaden Dottin and Norval Black will also be battling for those second team jobs, but Clifford’s advantages may help him have the largest impact in 2021. At the very least, Clifford should be a serviceable special teams player in his first college season.