Penn State Top 25 players for 2022: Theo Johnson
There was a time when Penn State was producing quality tight ends the same way Robert Windsor ate fish sandwiches, like clockwork. Players like Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth have both become staples in their team’s offenses but there may be another looming in the distance.
Theo Johnson has a story you can root for and a style you love to watch when he touches the field. To this point in his college career he has been used mainly as a run blocker but this past season he showed flashes of being more. He can’t be more though without showing more and that means James Franklin and his staff have to open things up for him.
Ideal situations and worst-case scenarios for the Canadian sensation will be discussed in his player profile.
2021 in Review
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Theo Johnson has a quite career in Penn State overall but last year he finally saw some meaningful action. He finally scored his first touchdown in his career and had a total of 19 receptions in 10 games played. As mentioned, thus far he has thrived mainly as a blocker.
His blocking has become arguably his best trait, not because of his lack of passing work, but because of how technically sound he is. He has tremendous size and a frame that when he leverages it properly allows him to have advantages over any defender he faces. When the NFL comes knocking they will love that about his game, when he works more into the passing game they will enjoy that even more.
Biggest question for 2022
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest question surrounding Theo Johnson is the same that surrounds this Penn State team, what is the direction of the offense going to be?
[autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] has every reason to be successful in moving the ball vertically this year. He also has weapons like Theo Johnson who can work underneath and get yards after the carry. This offense needs some diversity, it needs some juice, Theo Johnson can be that and more but will they use him?
2022 will be a success if...
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Theo Johnson will have a successful 2022 campaign if he finds himself being used more in the passing attack. Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich has a tall task on his hands in 2022, he needs to have this Penn State offense going stride for stride with both Ohio State and Michigan. Ohio State has been an offensive juggernaut over the last ten years, the problem is Michigan has now passed them by.
Michigan passing them should be the last straw for James Franklin and this team. Clifford is more than serviceable at quarterback, he just needs to scheme it that way. Utilizing all the weapons they have gotten through recruiting and the transfer portal should be a tell-tale sign to this coaching staff.
Open. Things. Up.
2022 will be a disappointment if...
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
If Theo Johnson does not take a significant jump in the passing game in terms of workload. Johnson needs to see more work, if he doesn’t then this team’s offensive coaching staff needs a significant look from the top down.
He has shown development, he has shown he can stay healthy, so what possible excuses are there for them to not get the tight ends involved. The Big Ten is passing Penn State by, no offense Maryland is even jumping them in offense. We can’t afford to wait or else Greg Schiano is going to get Rutgers offense rolling.
Okay, maybe not but still this is a serious time!
Realistic outlook for 2022
Syndication: York Daily Record
This profile has been doom and gloom for the duration of it but this staff has shown to be one of the best in the country. I have faith, you should have faith, and Penn State should have faith they will finally open the can that is Theo Johnson.
This offense as a whole is going to look different. The addition of Mitchell Tinsley and Mike Yurcich staying tells me one thing, they are planning something. They know what they have to do after years of staying afloat in the conference. With the conference expanding it is now or never they become a complete team. Utilizing tight ends in more passing work is apart of becoming a complete team.
Look for more Theo Johnson in 2022.
