For Penn State, the importance of the tight end room is pivotal. not only in terms of the schemes they run, but how often they can rotate players in and out to fit certain roles. However, with the emergence of a true matchup weapon in their Week 2 win over Temple, Penn State may have found a unique, singular answer to whether or not the tight end room even needs said depth.
Benjamin Brahmer is a coach's darling at the position: a 6-7, 250 pound beast of a player who is as game-changing as he is versatile. His two touchdowns game last week showcased a unique role form him in this offense that will not only allow him to show off his power but also his elite athletic traits in the red zone, as well as the open field. However, his story to get to this point
in his career is special and is one that can only be told in the lens of his former school.
Born and raised in a small town in Nebraska, very few people may have even heard of the name Benjamin Brahmer. Playing under his father though, is where Brahmer learned to become the matchup nightmare he presented today. He led his small high school to a state championship in 2022, but still wasn't not widely recruited by many schools. It was not until Iowa State came calling that Brahmer thought he had a chance to play at the collegiate level. It was Matt Campbell who truly believed in him.
That trust was rewarded when in 2023 as a true freshman, his first ever catch was a 36 yard touchdown. He quickly earned freshman All-America honors after that and by his junior year, he was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award. However, that was also when disaster struck. That same year, Brahmer suffered a gruesome hit to his head and neck, leading him to be hospitalized. Perhaps a sign of his true grit and determination, he was still able to return that season.
Now, with Penn State, Brahmer has turned into something that is undeniable: a true force at the tight end position that could match up well with any team in the country. From small town high school hero to the Big Ten, Brahmer willl now always be remembered.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State TE has become ultimate secret weapon
