For thePenn State offense, the goal for the upcoming season is simple: prove that you can compete in the Big Ten. With a whole lot of transfers coming in, this will be the first time some of these players are put to the test. And perhaps no other offensive position group is under more pressure than the wide receivers, specifically Iowa State transfer Brett Eskildsen.
As the leading receiver for the Cyclones last season, Eskildsen profiles as a physical WR1 who can win on the boundary and show strength after the catch. At 6-1, 198 pounds, Eskildsen offers a speed/power combo that could translate pretty well to the Big Ten. Last season, he had 523 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Cyclones' offense, but more impressively, he averaged 17.53 yards per
reception as well. As a result, he was awarded All-Big 12 honorable mention honors.
To start the season, Eskildsen will be up against a Marshall secondary that may be one of the more underrated units in the country. Expect Eskildsen to be utilized heavily in the red zone, where he can make key contested plays, and also in late-down situations where he can win. While Week 1 won't be a true test of Eskildsen's abilities, Penn State fans will hope to see a flash of a player who can revive what has proved to be a weak position group for the Nittany Lions in the past.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen a Penn State player to watch in Week 1
