Three days after a stellar performance in the Rose Bowl, Penn State Wide Receiver Chris Godwin announced that he will be foregoing his senior year to enter the NFL draft. While the decision was a surprise to almost no one, his dominant performance this season made it seem like he was the only member of the receiving crew at times. While the loss does sting, not all hope is lost. Penn State’s wide receiver corps may be one of the deepest positions on the team.
Here are five players poised to take Godwin’s place in the 2017 season:
1. Mike Gesicki
Sure, he’s a tight end but with his size and knack for making highlight-reel catches, it’s definitely possible that Gesicki will replace Godwin as Trace McSorely’s go-to. The junior, who has already announced his return to the Nittany Lions in 2017, caught 48 catches and recorded 5 touchdowns. Exactly twice as many catches as his sophomore season. He was also second to Godwin in catches, yards and touchdowns for the 2016 season.
2. DaeSean Hamilton
DaeSean graduated in December but has one year of eligibility remaining. Penn State’s top wide receiver as a freshman, two offensive coordinators ago, Hamilton has seen his numbers drop as the offense has shifted towards downfield passes. If he doesn’t transfer, it’s possible that Hamilton is used outside instead of in the slot.
3. DeAndre Thompkins
Despite an average Rose Bowl performance, Thompkins caught the third most passes this season and averages 16 yards per carry. His longest is a 70-yard touchdown, the sophomore’s only tuddy of the season. Despite this, there is no shortage of potential for the former 4-star recruit, as demonstrated against Pitt when he caught a pass from McSorely to convert a 4th and 16.
4. Saeed Blacknall
This senior has one year of eligibility left and has proven to be reliable on those deep passes Joe Moorhead seems to love. Blacknall has one of the highest yardages of the corps, averaging 23 yards per catch. If Blacknall can prove to be as reliable with short and midrange passes, he may have a great graduate season.
5. KJ Hamler
A four-star recruit from football factory IMG Academy in Florida, this 5”9’ receiver chose Penn State over 26 schools, including Michigan and Oregon. Despite his relatively short stature and an ACL tear (he received surgery on September 29), Hamler has an explosive style that should fit well in Moorhead’s offense.
