Signed: K.J. Hamler
WHAT HE DID A native of Detroit, Hamler transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for his senior year but didn’t get to play during the regular season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament that he suffered in a preseason game. Prior to his transfer, Hamler attended Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s, the same high school as former Penn State All-American Allen Robinson. As a junior, playing the same position as Robinson, Hamler caught 31 passes for 623 yards and four TDs. He also saw time at cornerback and helped lead his team to the Division 3 state championship.
WHAT HE WON Earning four stars from Rivals.com, Hamler is ranked as the nation’s 45th-best wide receiver and the 48th-best overall prospect in Florida. At the April 2016 Rivals Camp Series in Columbus, Ohio, he walked away with MVP honors for WRs/TEs.
WHERE HE VISITED Hamler was one of the more hotly pursued prospects in this class. Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon and Notre Dame started off as the early favorites. He took trips to each of those schools, including an official visit to Eugene to see the Ducks. His first PSU visit was for a camp, and after an outstanding performance he earned his offer.
QUOTABLE Hamler: “I really like the coaches. They’re great coaches, but good people, too. One thing they really stressed to me is that they don’t care about my size. They see that I’m a great player and a good person. That meant a lot to me.”
PHIL’S TAKE If he hadn’t suffered an ACL injury last summer, it’s likely that Hamler would have been one of the top five slot wide receiver prospects in the country. He enrolled in January but will probably not participate in spring practice as he works his way back from his injury. He’s an explosive player with sub-4.5-second 40-yard speed, superb hands and a talent for running precise pass routes and accelerating out of his cuts. And although he’s listed at 165 pounds, he plays a surprisingly physical brand of football. Hamler is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the football, including on punt returns. There’s a good chance he will redshirt.