Fansided

30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saeed Blacknall

Wide Receiver, Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions were one of the better stories of the 2016 college football season, as they actually came out of a very deep Big Ten East Division. In the Big Ten Championship Game, the Lions took care of the Wisconsin Badgers, punching their ticket to the Rose Bowl. Penn State would lose an instant classic to USC, but the pieces are in place for a possible run to the College Football Playoff in 2017.

Quarterback Trace McSorley had a breakout season in 2016, proving to be one of the better pure passers in the Big Ten. The issue heading into 2017 is that his top weapon is gone, as Chris Godwin made the decision to enter the NFL Draft. Someone is going to have to step up and replace him next season, and we feel that player is going to be Saeed Blacknall.

Talent is not the issue with Blacknall, as he is as talented as they come at the wide receiver position. His issue is he cannot seem to stay out of trouble, as he was suspended for the Rose Bowl game against USC. Blacknall also missed five games due to injury last season, making his sophomore season a wash.

As the Nittany Lions head to 2017, there are certain to be plenty of expectations. Head coach James Franklin has been a perfect hire, and with McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley as Heisman contenders, the offense should be solid once again this season. Blacknall has to be the team’s WR1, and with his skill set, he could be a top receiver in the Big  Ten if he can stay on the field.

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