Penn State Spotlight: Growing role for two-sport Mac Hippenhammer?

The two-sport star is gradually moving up Penn State's receiver ranks.

Penn State's most significant disappointment over the season's first half has been the inconsistent play of its pass-catchers.

Three of the oldest, most promising wideouts have struggled to hold onto passes or have simply disappeared from games. Juwan Johnson, Brandon Polk and DeAndre Thompkins have combined for only 34 receptions through six games.

Consider that six Big Ten receivers have more than that on their own, led by Northwestern's Flynn Nagel with 48.

That's where redshirt freshman Mac Hippenhammer comes in.

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He came to Penn State on a football scholarship but also is playing varsity baseball. He pulled double duty last spring, doing football workouts in the morning and baseball practice in the afternoon.

Now, he seems to be developing a stronger connection each week with senior quarterback Trace McSorley. As other receivers struggle, Hippenhammer's role has expanded.

His first collegiate catch went for an 11-yard touchdown at Pitt. His second was a 44-yard grab where he was tackled at the 1-yard line at Illinois.

He made a key catch against Ohio State. And he made his biggest contribution in last weekend's loss to Michigan State — three receptions for 27 yards.

He has enough speed, athleticism and height to play inside or outside, to be a possession receiver or to stretch the defense.

"I would say my biggest learning moment has been just staying ready, being ready for anything that comes," Hippenhammer said. "Embracing my role has been huge because, obviously, I'm seeing guys like KJ (Hamler) flourish. Just staying ready and making the most out of my opportunities has been eye-opening for me."

Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds

Stats: 6 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD, 17.2 yards per catch

Academics: Enrolled in division of undergraduate studies, planning to major in business; 3.41 GPA after spring semester

Homecoming: He's from Fort Wayne, Indiana, about a three-hour drive from the site of Saturday's game in Bloomington. "I've been waiting for this one," he said this week, adding that he expects to have at least 30 friends and family members in attendance.

Recruiting: The three-star prospect ultimately picked Penn State over Notre Dame. He said the Hoosiers didn't pursue him hard until he already was verbally committed to the Lions. Rivals.com rated him as the No. 5 recruit in Indiana.

Two sports: He also is a shortstop and outfielder for the Penn State baseball team, earning three starts last spring. He was 1-for-10 in limited hitting experience. He said he intends to keep playing both sports.

Star moment: He led all receivers in April's Blue-White Game with four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns.

He said it: When asked about rookie receivers Justin Shorter, Jahan Dotson and Daniel George ... "Justin is real physical and can stretch the field. Jahan, he’s smooth and slippery. ... Daniel a real physical receiver. I think all of them just need to understand the playbook better."