One of the biggest storylines of the game one depth chart has to be KJ Hamler‘s appearance atop the slot position. Penn State football boasted veteran DeAndre Thompkins and Brandon Polk as returners at that spot. However, Hamler beat out both for the starting job with Thompkins starting outside and Polk backing him up.
The move turned out was quite the surprise, considering Hamler is a redshirt freshman. According to the Collegian, Thompkins was projected to start in the slot, while Polk went to the outside spot. Thompkins had 58 catches, 916 yards and six total touchdowns to his name, and he seemed like the best option.