Penn State Football: Ranking the 10 best players on the 2023 roster

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2 of 11

STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: Theo Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

10. TE Theo Johnson

Theo Johnson started the 2022 season on the sidelines with an injury. Once he returned to the field, Johnson asserted himself as the No. 2 tight end behind Brenton Strange.

Now with Strange off to the NFL, Johnson has a chance to become a star this season.

In 2022, Johnson had 20 catches for 328 yards and four touchdowns in just 11 games. The senior flashed potential at times throughout the season. Against Minnesota, he caught five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown and against Michigan State Johnson hauled in three passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Johnson is a matchup nightmare for defenses and will be a primary target for Drew Allar. With the changes to the wide receiver group, Johnson may be asked to carry a heavier workload early in the season as the receivers adjust and form a connection with Allar.

A breakout season could be in the works for Johnson, but he’s already one of the best players on the Penn State football team.

Home/Penn State Football