
Highlighting Penn State Football's Underrated Players of the Last Decade
Penn State football has seen numerous players make impactful contributions over the last decade, yet some have not received the recognition they deserve. This article highlights five underrated players from the program's recent history.
Nick Scott began his career with a strong start, returning a kickoff for 58 yards and later transitioning to safety, where he excelled in his senior season with 65 tackles and three interceptions. Saeed Blacknall played a crucial role in the 2016 Big Ten Championship, notably catching six passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin, finishing his career with 50 receptions and seven touchdowns.
Jan Johnson's journey from a walk-on to team captain is noteworthy, as he started all 13 games in 2019, recording 64 tackles. Robert Windsor emerged as a key defensive player, achieving 7.5 sacks in 2018 and earning All-Big Ten honors. Lastly, Ryan Bates, an offensive lineman, played a vital role in protecting the team's star players and contributed significantly during Penn State's successful offensive periods.
