Penn State football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

Sean Clifford’s top targets last season were tight end, Pat Freiermuth, and wide receiver, KJ Hamler. Well with Hamler off to the NFL, Clifford will look to a new target to attack defenses downfield and that new role will fall on the likes of Jahan Dotson.

Dotson had a decent sophomore year, catching 27 passes for 488 yards and five scores, but at times seemed to be struggling while finding his footing into the lineup. Dotson had some big drops last season but to be honest, every college receiver goes through that at some time. But, this former four-star recruit has the skillset to jump out on the college football scene in 2020.

Even with the electric speed of KJ Hamler, Dotson still led the team in yards per catch, averaging just over 18 yards a catch. With Pat Freiermuth and Nick Bowers giving the Nittany Lions one of the best tight end groups in the country, Dotson looks to give the Clifford and the Penn State offense that big-play threat to take the top off the defense.

Just like at the running back position, Penn State has been providing some good talent at the receiver positions in the pros with Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin, and now, KJ Hamler, and Dotson hopes to make his case as the next name to come out of State College. Dotson will need to remain in college for two more years to do so, but a 1,000-yard season should gain the attention of the nation and pro scouts.

Also, during Spring football, Dotson was listed as the starting punt returner so we should expect a full highlight tape following the season.