Five Penn State football players to watch

Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) carries after a catch in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Chris Godwin/DaeSean Hamilton

Our of Penn State’s biggest strengths is their speed on the outside. The Nittany Lions possess two very talented wide receivers in Chris Godwin and DaeSean Hamilton. The dynamic has combined for 49 receptions for 713 yards and four touchdowns through the first seven games of the season. Even though Hamilton led the Big Ten in receptions (82) last season, it’s been Godwin who has been Christian Hackenberg‘s favorite target. Godwin has already eclipsed his reception and yardage numbers from his freshman season. He has recorded at least three catches and 41-plus receiving yards during Penn State’s first seven games.

As impressive as the numbers are for this tandem, it’s sometimes the plays they don’t make that set them apart. Their speed is unheralded, especially Godwin’s. For example, in the first quarter against Ohio State last Saturday, Godwin was in single coverage and got in front of cornerback Gareon Conley, who ended up nearly tackling Godwin to avoid a big gain on a pass play. Given that Maryland’s pass defense hasn’t been phenomenal, these two wideouts against the likes of Sean Davis and Will Likely will definitely be a matchup to watch.