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Penn State will be without the services of All-American tight end Pat Freiermuth should they play football this season, according to a report by the Centre Daily Times.
Freiermuth had previously committed to play his senior season but with delays to the season as well as some swirling rumors regarding health, it’s no surprise to see the potential first-round pick opt out.
The star tight end joins Micah Parsons in opting out of the season and the decision should come as no surprise as the Big Ten scrambles to determine if and when it will play football this season.
Both Parsons and Freiermuth have solidified their status as upper-echelon prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Freiermuth caps his career nicely, having made 69 receptions for 875 yards and 15 touchdowns in 26 games played. The 15 touchdowns are tied for most all-time by a Penn State tight end with Mike Gesicki.
Should the Nittany Lions play football in either a 2020 or 2021 season, this now presents a huge opportunity to one of Zack Kuntz, Brenton Strange or true freshman Theo Johnson to fill the void left by Freiermuth. It also creates another variable for first-year offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca who comes into the program at an unprecedented time.