In 2016, Penn State football’s high-scoring offense burst onto the scene under new starting quarterback Trace McSorley. The then-sophomore QB used receiver Chris Godwin and tight end Mike Gesicki to go up and get jump balls in a wide open offense. After Godwin left for the draft, the team needed a bigger, tougher presence like Godwin. The offense quickly went to budding receiver Juwan Johnson.
In his first year as a starter, Johnson caught 54 passes for 701 yards and one touchdown. For a first-year player those numbers are impressive. His big frame (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and toughness gave McSorley an open receiver to throw to.