DaeSean Hamilton

WR · Penn State
A four-year starter at Penn State, Hamilton leaves Happy Valley as an important part of the school’s rebirth the last half-decade and has more career catches than anyone in PSU history. A mature and responsible young man, his impact was also felt off the field and his accountable character and mental toughness will be strong selling points to NFL teams. Hamilton plays all over the formation and relies more on nuanced pace than natural burst in his routes to outmaneuver defenders in coverage. He finds the ball well in flight and fights for positioning, but the drops are frustrating. BACKGROUND Hamilton was born in Japan to parents who both served in the United States Marine Corps, moving to Hawaii, then Chicago and ultimately settling in Virginia. Hamilton received major recruiting interest as a junior with offers from Miami (Fla.), Michigan State and nearby Virginia Tech. However, he developed a close bond with Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien, whose son (Jack) suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Lissencephaly. Hamilton could relate with his special relationship with his older brother (Darius), who was diagnosed with nonverbal autism at a young age (they communicate through sign language). He committed to the Nittany Lions and was forced to redshirt in 2013 due to a wrist injury. Hamilton returned in 2015 and led the Big Ten in receptions (82), posting 899 yards and two touchdowns to earn Freshman All-American and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He started 12 games as a sophomore in 2015 and recorded 45 catches for 580 yards and six touchdowns. Hamilton saw his production drop again in 2016 as a junior, finishing with 34 catches for 506 yards and one score. Hamilton returned for his senior season and bounced back with 53 receptions for 857 yards and a career-best nine touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. ...