UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — While Penn State isn't known as a tight end university, the school has had great success in the position in recent years. Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth, and Brenton Strange are among the most notable Nittany Lion tight ends in the NFL. Now, the next Penn State product, Theo Johnson, is on his way.
“A big part of why I came to Penn State is the lineage of tight ends that came through here. So, as I walk in the door, I want to leave my mark on it," Johnsons said. "I feel like I've done that, and I feel good that I'm continuing the tradition. I feel like the tight end rooms in a great space moving forward. We got a lot of guys are going to do a lot of great things, so I feel good about the mark I've left here.”
Johnson was one of the most reliable targets in the passing game for sophomore quarterback Drew Allar and finished with 34 receptions for 341 yards and was tied for the team lead with seven receiving touchdowns.
“It's just continuing being consistent with what I've done so far," Johnson said. "You know, something a lot of people have said is they don't feel like I can move as well from my size. So, I want to show everybody that I'm fluid in my roles and I move around a lot, a lot different than a typical 6’6 260-pound man.”
Johnson's stock grew in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine where he scored the second-highest Athleticism grade from scouts. While many see him as a vertical pass-catching tight end, his success as a run blocker makes him a well-rounded prospect.
“I think I've helped myself a ton. I was a guy that people had a lot of questions about. I wasn't able to put as much as I feel like I was able to on tape," said Johnson. "But still, this process, I think I've shown people, you know, I can move well. I'm not your typical big wide tight end, I can do anything you need a tight end to do. So, I think I've definitely helped myself a lot in this process so far.”
Johnson is projected as an early day three draft pick.