College Football: Tight Ends replacing NFL rookies
By Talon Graff
Penn State – Jonathan Holland (RS Junior) & Nick Bowers (RS Junior)
Mike Gesicki, the second round pick for Miami, left Penn State after totaling almost 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. Last year, he was responsible for 563 yards and nine touchdowns. The now pro football player needs to be replaced and James Franklin’s staff has Jonathan Holland and Nick Bowers ready to step into that role.
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Holland had three catches for 16 yards last year and failed to reach the end zone. The 6’4 250 pound Maryland native hopes to change that in 2018. He is a strong kid who can give Trace McSorley a target in short to intermediate routes. He lacks the speed to be a legitimate deep threat but has soft enough hands to provide the rare big play.
Nick Bowers played in only one game last year, recorded one catch, and had one touchdown. At 6’4 and 270 pounds, when he is on the field he will be primarily a sixth offensive lineman. He can sneak out on play actions and misdirections on a few occasions as well. An injury caused him to sit out all of 2016. McSorley, Miles Sanders, and Juwan Johnson will be the focal points of the Nittany Lion offense but Holland and Bowers should be important contributors in 2018.