Analysis: Receivers deep, talented for Penn State

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Entering the 2020 season, the expectations weren't very high for Penn State's receivers, but it wasn't long before they blew through those. They managed to provide a glimmer of hope during what was a historically bad start for the Nittany Lions.

Faced with replacing KJ Hamler, who was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, it wasn't known what Penn State would do to match what Hamler meant to the team, both offensively and on special teams. 

Into his place stepped junior Jahan Dotson who, prior to 2020, had managed a total of 40 receptions for 691 yards and five touchdowns. Dotson filled the vacancy Hamler left and then some, with eight touchdowns and 884 yards in only nine games this season. Not only did he play a big role in the offense, he also scored a touchdown and averaged 24.6 yards per return. 

To put that in perspective, Hamler hauled in 904 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games in 2019 while managing only 5.5 yards per return. Two successful seasons convinced Hamler to enter draft, while Dotson will return for his senior season.

It wasn't just on the field where Dotson flourished; he also developed into one of the more outspoken leaders for Penn State. The maturation, on and off the field, helped the Nittany Lions not only turn things around, but also find a superstar in the making.

Dotson wasn't the only receiver to explode onto the scene during the past season, as true freshman Parker Washington left 2020's version of training camp a starter alongside Dotson and never looked back. Washington looked and played the part of a starting receiver out of the gate and it's no surprise with some of the catches and ball skills seen below.

Having those skills and demonstrating them at any level in the collegiate ranks is impressive, but to do so as a true freshman is even more so, given there wasn't much of an opportunity for team activities in the spring and the summer. Washington finished with 489 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 and also got some work as a kick returner.

Dotson and Washington are similar in ability and skills set, much like the dynamic duo of receivers from the 2016 team, Chris Godwin and DaeSean Hamilton. While Dotson and Washington are both under 6-foot, they possess a lot of the quickness and ball skills Godwin and Hamilton demonstrated during the 2016 season. Godwin and Hamilton are both playing in the NFL, as is Hamler. Dotson and Washington are en route to joining them. 

It's not just Washington and Dotson, though, who have the potential to do damage; so do freshman KeAndre Lambert-Smith and redshirt freshman TJ Jones, along with a highly regarded group of tight ends featuring Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson.

Lambert-Smith finished the season as a starter, and while he didn't put up amazing stats, he was a quality pass-catcher and safety valve for quarterback Sean Clifford. Jones appeared in seven games in 2020 and looks primed to be a factor in the future. 

The tight ends did an admirable job after Pat Freiermuth was lost to injury, and showed there wouldn't be much a drop off, if any, between Freiermuth and the guys who replaced him. Strange, a redshirt freshman, hauled in 17 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns, including this catch against Illinois. 

Johnson added 56 yards on four receptions while appearing in eight games as a freshman, and looks to see his playing time improve significantly in 2021. 

It will be up to new Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich to get the most out of his offense, and he will have a multitude of weapons at his disposal. The Nittany Lions can beat secondaries both along the sidelines and over the middle and, if used properly, could have one of the best offenses in the Big Ten next season, barring any significant injuries. 

The difference a year can make is huge. Last year, heading into the season, the group of receivers was relatively unknown. Now, they rival some of the best in the conference and have the opportunity to continue to turn heads once spring ball starts.