Penn State has always had a proud tradition of great tight ends. From Ted Kwalick to Kyle Brady to Troy Drayton to Tony Stewart to Pete Gilmore. But in recent years the tight end position has been a glaring weakness on the offense.
Kevin Darling and Patrick Hall were the tight ends on opening day this year. It's safe to say opposing defensive coordinators weren't losing sleep thinking of ways to stop these two. But waiting and learning on the sideline was a man-child in cleats wearing a number 10.
He saw his first action against Youngstown State and pulled down a modest 2 catches for 12 yards. As the season wore on his role on the offense grew. By the end of the season he solidified himself as Morelli's favorite target over the middle. Against Michigan State he caught his first career touchdown on a play that showed off his versatility. He outran the linebacker to get open, showed great hands in making the catch, fought off a tackle, and sprinted down the sideline for the score. Then he followed it up with a touchdown in the back of the endzone against Tennessee. Nittany Lion fans can feel secure in the fact the tight end position is filled with a future great one for the next three years.
Previous Surprises of 2006
#3 - Justin King
#4 - Sean Lee
#5 - Paul Posluszny