Penn State Football: 5 reasons Trace McSorley could win 2017 Heisman

Penn State Football: 5 reasons Trace McSorley could win the 2017 Heisman Trophy

Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during a warmup prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio State 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

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3. Returning receiver production

McSorley with have a bevy of returning talent to help him get the trophy. Penn State built its high-flying passing game through burners on the outsides and a tight end hammer in the middle. All but one of those players return for the 2017 season. Leading receiver Chris Godwin declared for the NFL, but the rest of the receiving production is back.

Tight end Mike Gesicki returns after snaring 48 passes for 679 yards and five touchdowns. He’s the thunder in this lightning fast offense. His presence in the middle of the field caused defenses to leave the speedsters on the outside open. He’s also a deep threat himself with his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame.

The receiving group is deep, fast and experienced. DaeSean Hamilton, DeAndre Thompkins and Saeed Blacknall are all back. Hamilton caught 34 passes for 506 yards and a touchdown. He’s the best returning wide receiver in terms of production. He’s started all three seasons and will be a big returner this year.

Blacknall and Thompkins are the field stretchers. They caught just 42 combined passes but for 787 yards and four touchdowns. They averaged 18.7 yards per reception. This deep group gives McSorley an opportunity to perform at a high level in 2017.

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