Jesse James, Kyle Carter, Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth and now Theo Johnson and Brenton Strange?
For all the things that Penn State calls itself to be “U of” [See, Linebacker U] there’s an argument to be made that as of late Tight End U is up there on that list. Sure the whole pastime of trying to have a program lay singular claim over a position is pointless and not very practical, but the overarching point remains: Penn State has been recruiting, developing and producing quality tight ends.
This season the uniqueness of the tight end room is the simple fact there are two quality options – Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson – trying to lay claim to the main role. Jesse James always had someone behind him, Mike Gesicki was the guy and Pat Freiermuth never had to question his spot in the rotation.
But now, who exactly is that No. 1 guy? Heck, is there even an obvious No. 1 option between the two of them?
The stats say the edge goes to Strange who managed 17 receptions for two touchdowns in 2020. Johnson [who is three inches taller than Strange] saw plenty of action but racked up just four catches during the shortened season. In either case, they both looked the part in their time to shine while Freiermuth recovered and rehabbed his injury.
And that’s a unique challenge for Penn State in 2021, a challenge that is found at more than one position on the offensive side of the ball [Hello running backs]. Who exactly gets those No. 1 snaps?
The good news for James Franklin and new tight ends coach Ty Howle is that in this case having a lot of options isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes a coach can be left with lots of bad choices, but in the case of Strange and Johnson, it’s hard to imagine either of them struggling to do their part to help Penn State’s offense.
Then again, the stakes and the environments will be different in 2021. It’s one thing to succeed in front of empty stadiums, it’s something else to do it with a hundred thousand people watching – living and dying on the success of your two hands. As the career arc of Gesicki so aptly reminds anyone who witnessed it: you might end up being one of the best, but you might not start out that way.
If somehow the duo wasn’t up to the task, Penn State could look towards Khalil Dinkins, Tyler Warren or Grayson Kline. And sure that might not be what fans or coaches would prefer given the excitement around Strange and Johnson – but every great player had to take his first snap.
And if history is any indication, Penn State isn’t done developing great tight ends just yet.
