James Franklin not surprised by Pat Freiurmuth’s early NFL success

Former Penn State Football tight end Pat Freiermuth is off to a hot start in his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers 

Penn State Football has had a good run with putting tight ends into the NFL over the past few seasons and it appears Pat Freiermuth is the next one up.

The former Nittany Lions pass-catcher is off to a hot start in the NFL, after being selected in the second round, No. 55 overall in last year’s Draft.

Through his first eight games, Freiermuth has 27 receptions for 245 yards and four touchdowns and is quickly becoming one of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets.

His early success is no surprise to his former head coach James Franklin though however.

“Pat’s Football Smart, understands concepts, doesn’t like football he LOVES Football,” Franklin told FanSided National NFL insider Matt Lombardo. “Natural ball skills, great body control, loose, fluid athlete, he is QB friendly with how he understands how to get open”

Pat Freiermuth latest in line of Penn State Football tight ends taking NFL by storm

Freiermuth unsurprisingly is becoming a red zone threat for the Steelers, as Penn State Football fans know, he has a nose for the end zone.

The former Nittany Lion had 16 touchdown receptions in his career in Happy Valley, one that was cut short due to a shoulder injury in year three after only four games.

Freiermuth joins former Penn State Football tight ends Mike Gisecki, Jesse James, and Nick Bowers in the NFL.