Penn State Football: 3 Reasons why Theo Johnson will breakout in 2023

Theo Johnson chose to forgo the 2023 NFL Draft and return to the Penn State football team this off-season. A decision that will pay dividends for himself and the Nittany Lions this fall.

Johnson was a 4-star prospect coming out of high school (per 247sports) and has increased his production each year at PSU. In 2020, he recorded 4 receptions for 56 yards. In 2021, he hauled in 19 receptions for 213 yards and 1 touchdown. Then, this past season he put up career numbers with 20 receptions for 328 yards and 4 touchdowns. Oh, and he missed the first few games of the 2022 season because of injury, so he put up career numbers in only 10 games played.

Here are three reasons why Theo Johnson will have a breakout season this fall.

1.  He will be the #1 tight end on Penn State’s roster

Theo has had success at Penn State, but he’s had to share his targets with other talented tight ends over the years. In 2020, he sat behind Pat Freiermuth and Brenton Strange. Then, the past few seasons he has been the back up to Strange. He also had to battle with Tyler Warren for targets as well, who will remain in the rotation as TE2. Now, with Strange off to the NFL, Johnson will get his opportunity to be the starting tight end at Penn State. This means more targets, more time on the field, and that should lead to an increase in production.

2.  The moment is never too big

Players that can lock in and focus on the biggest stages tend to have success in college and the NFL. For Johnson, the moment is never too big for him. Think back to the 2021 Whiteout game vs Auburn. It was Johnson who caught a 37-yard pass early in the first quarter, that set Penn State up for their first touchdown in that game. Fast forward to the 2022 Whiteout, where he arguably had the best game of his career. Johnson once again made his presence felt, with 5 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Then, in the 2023 Rose Bowl he hauled in a critical 28-yard pass in that game as well. The stage has never been too big throughout his career, so this moment of becoming the starter will not be too big either.

3.  Existing chemistry with Drew Allar

Drew Allar will take over at quarterback for PSU this Fall, and he already has chemistry built with players on the roster. Drew enrolled early last year so, he had Spring Ball / Fall Camp in 2022 and all of the practice reps with the returning players at Penn State. This is valuable especially for a guy like Johnson. Allar was seen working with the second team offense in most media portions of practice last year. This means that he had a lot of reps with Johnson during the 2022 season. For a first-year starter, we would assume Drew will target who he is most comfortable with especially early on. Many times, it’s the tight end that becomes the security blanket. After sharing a season of practices together, Allar and Johnson already know each other’s tendencies. They will have Spring Ball and Fall Camp in 2023 to continue to build that relationship.

Theo Johnson’s 6’6 260-pound frame makes him a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. He has the speed to be a deadly vertical threat, and the athleticism to hurdle over a player or two in the open space. He will be a massive piece in Penn State’s offense, and I expect big things from #84 this fall.