BTN.com staff, August 4, 2015
Here's a safe assumption: Few, if any, Big Ten fans predicted a pair of freshmen (Penn State's DaeSean Hamilton & Illinois' Mike Dudek) would lead the Big Ten in receptions last season.
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If you did, well, you are quite the prognosticator.
Hamilton caught a Big Ten-leading 82 receptions, six more than Dudek, and 17 more than Tony Lippett, the Big Ten's leading receiver in yards and touchdowns.
This, coupled with Dudek's knee injury that will cost him some of the season, makes Hamilton the overwhelming favorite to repeat as the Big Ten's receptions leader.
See our BTN.com team's picks for the receptions leader below.
RECEPTIONS
2014 leader: DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State – 82
2015 returning leader: DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State – 82
Tom Dienhart: DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State. I think Penn State will rely on the pass-a lot. So, I?m going with DaeSean Hamilton, a freshman sensation in 2014 who caught a Big Ten-leading 82 passes last season.
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Sean Merriman: Macgarrett Kings Jr. Yes, this pick is bold, but here?s my thought process: Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphrey are both off to the NFL, which means MSU must find a way to replace 91 catches. Kings Jr. will be the go-to target, and MSU will utilize his speed by getting the ball to him on short passes. I?m thinking a 70-plus catch season could be store.
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Brent Yarina: DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State. The fact Hamilton hauled in 82 passes as a freshman and in an offense that struggled to protect the passer is wild. All reports indicate Penn State's line will be vastly improved this fall, and that's great news for Hamilton and Christian Hackenberg.
