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Why Penn State’s ‘gifted’ unsung hero is among the nation’s best

Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com

UNIVERSITY PARK

Blake Gillikin remembers students crowding Saquon Barkley last fall, taking selfies and turning a 10-minute walk into a half-hour trek. Gillikin doesn’t garner that same attention. His long blonde locks and team-issued, name-tagged backpack are dead giveaways — but outside of the occasional picture, Penn State’s punter is more normal student than star football player.

“I like to be more low-key than that,” Gillikin said with a laugh, referring to Barkley.

In fact, Gillikin might still be the best kept secret in the Big Ten. Even if he is one of the best punters in the country.