Theo Johnson travelled to Purdue for Penn State’s season opener Thursday night, but he didn’t play.
Coach James Franklin hopes he’ll be good to go as soon as possible, ideally for this weeks home opener against Ohio.
Franklin said the team hoped tight end Theo Johnson could play Thursday, which is why they travelled him.
Hoping to have him available this week.
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) September 6, 2022
“Hopefully we’re able to get him back sooner rather than later,” Franklin said in his Tuesday press conference. “Hopefully, that’s this week.”
“Consistently catching the ball. We had one drop that I can remember at the tight end position, and then having a physical, physical presence in the run game… I think they can be better in that area as well.”
Johnson is one of three tight ends— Brenton Strange and Tyler Warren being the others— that is expected to see significant playing time for Penn State in 2022. Last season, Johnson caught 19 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, with the touchdown coming in a win over Ball State in the team’s 2021 home opener Week 2. He finished second to Strange in all three major receiving categories.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Johnson and Strange were both named to the John Mackey Award watchlist before the season.
The Mackey Award is given annually to the nation’s top tight end.
Franklin also broke down Penn State’s tight ends collectively, mentioning what they do well, and what they can improve upon.
“Consistently catching the ball,” Franklin said. “We had one drop that I can remember at the tight end position, and then having a physical, physical presence in the run game… I think they can be better in that area as well.”
”I’ve been pleased with the group. I think they have the ability to be big-time, impact players for us.”
