DeAndre Thompkins

Thompkins' 2016 campaign got off to a promising start as he notched three or more caches in five of his first six games, but he fell off the map as the season went along. As a redshirt sophomore, he grabbed just nine passes over the team's last eight games, but moves up the depth chart heading into 2017 following the departure of Chris Godwin for the NFL. Despite the disappointing finish, he finished with the fourth-most receptions (27) and receiving yards (440), though he's found pay dirt just once in his career. The return of Trace McSorley at the helm should provide some stability and explosiveness to the passing game. Considering Thompkins made most of his yardage from big plays -- including four receptions of at least 39 yards in 2016 -- he should benefit from McSorley's return and his expected larger role in the offense. However, seniors DaeSean Hamilton and Saeed Blacknall figure to be the favorites for the top two receiver spots for the Nittany Lions, leaving Thompkins to fend off some of the younger guys for consistent snaps.