Filling the Allen Robinson void

Story posted April 10, 2014 in CommRadio by Nasser Monayair

With the highly anticipated Blue-White game coming up this Saturday, there are many storylines and things to watch. One of the biggest things to watch for is how will star wide receiver Allen Robinson’s production be replaced.

For the past couple of seasons, Robinson proved to be arguably the best receiver in school history. 2013 saw Robinson put up the best statistical season for a Penn State wideout, catching 97 passes for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns.

Penn State has many options moving forward at wide receiver. The good news is they are not lacking athleticism at the position. Returnees, Geno Lewis, Matt Zanellato and Richy Anderson all seem like options that the team will look to step up and lead.

Out of all returning players, Lewis looks primed to take the next step to be a starter and make most of the opportunity.

In 2013, Lewis hauled in 18 receptions for 234 yards and three touchdowns. In the season finale against Wisconsin, he had three catches, for 91 yards along with two touchdowns. The Wilkes-Barre, native also had productive games against Syracuse and Indiana.

Early enrollee De'Andre Thompkins can certainly make his mark through the offense this weekend. The 5-11, 176-pound, Swansboro, North Carolina, native was among ESPN’s top 100 recruits.

The Nittany Lions have also recruited star wide receivers Chris Godwin, Saeed Blacknall and Troy Apke. All three have been regarded as the near the top at their position, each possessing good size and athleticism.

All three will not be available for the spring game as they have yet to enroll.

One thing is for sure... Allen Robinson’s production of 46 percent of all receiving yards will be missed and will be a huge hole to fill.

The bad news for fans is it seems unlikely that there will be another player on this team that will be so dominant. The good news is there are a great mixture of freshmen and veterans that possess great potential and talent in order to fill the void.

Nasser Monayair is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email nzm5086@psu.edu.

About the Contributors

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Nasser Monayair

Senior / Broadcast Journalism

Nasser Monayair, ‘14, is a senior from New York, NY. He is a broadcast journalism major at the college of communications at Penn State University. He’s a co-host for a Com Radio show “Empire State Boys”. Nasser, has worked and written articles since he was in high school. Nasser is also a member of John Curley Center for Sports Journalism. He has experience in radio prior to joining Com Radio. Nasser hopes to continue his career in radio and hopes to host his own sports show which will cover all sports topics including a few of his favorite teams such as the New York Knicks, New York Giants and New York Rangers. Nasser also enjoys listening to broadcasters such as Marv Albert, Michael Kay and Scott Van Pelt.