DaeSean Hamilton

Hamilton set the Big 10 ablaze in his first season in 2014, leading the conference in receptions with 82 to go along with 899 yards and two scores to earn All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. His 2015 campaign did not go as smoothly as his receptions fell to 45 on 89 targets (50.6% catch rate) and his yardage fell to 585, but he did triple his touchdown output. However, 2015 did not go particularly smoothly for Penn State’s offense in general as the Nittany Lions ranked 100th in points per game at 23.2 and 105th in the nation in total offense at 348.6 yards per game. A new offensive coordinator installing an up-tempo offense figures to open things up a bit more on that side of the ball this season and with that, the Nittany Lions should have a new and improved unit despite losing quarterback Christian Hackenberg to the draft. Hamilton will be a key part of the offense, serving as the second receiver opposite Chris Godwin. The attention Godwin will draw on his side of the field could lead to more open looks for Hamilton, and a more accurate quarterback under center ought to lead to more catchable passes for him as well. While Godwin will be the leader of the receiving corps, Hamilton is a strong complement on the other side of the field that should be in line for a bounceback season.

Hamilton was one of the lone bright spots in Penn State’s offense last season as his 82 receptions ranked tops in the Big Ten and 16th in the nation. That said, Penn State’s short passing game cut into Hamilton’s efficiency (10.96 YPC, two TDs). The growing pains Penn State underwent in the first year of a new offensive system should be behind it, leading to a more productive offense overall. Look for Hamilton’s yardage output and touchdown total to improve this season as Christian Hackenberg’s top target, even if that means a slight dip in receptions for the rising redshirt sophomore.