Penn State’s Jahan Dotson is considered one of the best wide receivers in the nation. Some would argue he is the best and should be the first wideout taken in next spring’s NFL Draft.
Saturday, Dotson stamped his proponents’ argument against the Maryland Terrapins.
Jahan Dotson set a Penn State school-record with 242 receiving yards on 11 catches. He also scored all three of the Nittany Lions’ offensive touchdowns.
His first touchdown was a thing of beauty, as he put Maryland defensive back Nick Cross in a spin cycle with a slant-and-go route.
Dotson was able to haul in the pass in the end zone despite his quarterback, Sean Clifford, underthrowing it.
His second touchdown occurred in the third quarter. Dotson was matched up one-on-one with Jakorian Bennett at the top of the formation. Despite good position inside initially by Bennett, Dotson was able to turn Bennett around to snag Clifford’s toss for a 21-yard score.
He saved his best for last. After Maryland tied the game at 14-14 with a touchdown and two-point conversion, Dotson broke loose for an 86-yard touchdown reception on the ensuing possession.
Dotson ran a slant inside that was picked up by Maryland’s zone defense. He then kicked up his route down the seam before Clifford found him. Then it was all about Dotson putting on the jets, burning Maryland to the end zone for the go-ahead score.
It was an impressive performance. Now the 5-foot-11 Dotson has 71 catches, 932 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
