DaeSean Hamilton has seen it all. All kinds of coverages, all kinds of defenses.
But he’s never caught a pass during spring ball.
That finally changed the past few weeks as Penn State’s star in the making enters spring drills fully healthy.
A wrist injury sidelined him at the start of last season, and that meant no catching passes — no running against Bob Shoop’s defense.
“This is my first actual spring ball and basically being out there and practicing every day is great,” Hamilton said this week. “It brings out the best in me basically. Go out there catching balls and doing it against one of the best defenses in the country last year, I was prepared and it builds confidence.”
Hamilton’s performance last season ought to be all he needs in the personal confidence department. His 82 receptions for 899 yards and two scores would have been a record-setting performance if not for Allen Robinson setting the single season reception record (97) just a few years earlier.
For Penn State’s sophomore star it’s all about becoming comfortable in the offense. A second year in the system makes everything easier. It’s a theme that can be found all across the team this spring, the comfort that comes with familiarity, and the hope it will all translate to the field come this fall.
“I’m a lot more comfortable after playing a whole season of football. Having the season and experience under your belt makes the game a lot slower and you get to play a lot faster. I’ve made a lot of strides from when I stepped onto the field last year before the spring game.”
“Last year I didn’t get the chance the whole spring, (so I’m working on) keeping my ball skills up, having a bigger catch radius, being versatile and being able to play inside/outside and be more comfortable coming in and things like that. Everybody’s game is going to have to take it to the next level, and I’m working on not being satisfied and becoming a better overall wide receiver.”
If Hamilton can continue to improve his skills it could spell trouble for opposing defenses by providing another threat for Penn State’s offense.
“We have high expectations now after the performance we had against Boston College. Taking our game to the next level, being a unique group, and coming back next year and growing as football players; as long as we set the bar high, we’re going to have a great turnout for next year and even this spring.”
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