Penn State star Jahan Dotson models his game after 2000s USC teams

Penn State’s Jahan Dotson has established himself as one of the top wideouts in all of college football. Ahead of Saturday’s Penn State vs. Iowa showdown, Dotson spoke with FOX’s Matt Leinart to talk about his game. Dotson told Leinart that he models his game after the 2000s USC teams that Leinart was part of.

“Actually, this is crazy. I watched you guys at USC when I was growing up literally all the time,” Dotson said. “Watching you, Reggie Bush, watching all of those guys. I was a huge USC fan. That’s pretty much where I got all the swag from. You guys had the Cali swag, all the top stars in college. So, I kind of modeled my game after how you guys played.”

"You're quietly emerging as not just one of the best receivers in the Big Ten, but in my opinion one of the best receivers in all of college football."@MattLeinartQB talks with @PennStateFball's @H55ZY about this season and his relationship with QB @seancliff14 💪 pic.twitter.com/K8rRtfLbmz

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 8, 2021

Dotson: Speed is ‘a weapon of mine’

This season is Dotson’s fourth at Penn State. His role on the offense has grown in every season so far. As a freshman in 2018, Dotson had 13 receptions for 203 yards before hauling in 27 catches for 488 yards and five scores as a sophomore. Last season, Dotson broke out and had 52 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. So far this season, Dotson has 35 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns for Penn State.

“On the field I would say just my speed,” Dotson said when asked what his biggest strength is. “I like to use speed in my routes a lot. It helps get defenders off balance, it’s a weapon of mine that I know I can use literally at any point in the game.

“The biggest difference for me is the amount of fun I’m having on the field. Just being with my teammates, hanging out with them, having fun with them on the field. That’s the reason I play the game. It just brings so much fun to me and I have so much fun every time I’m out there.”

Facing Iowa’s defense will be a tough challenge for Dotson and Penn State on Saturday. But facing tough defenses hasn’t stopped Dotson from being productive this year. Against Wisconsin’s strong defense in Week 1, Dotson had five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Dotson has 65+ yards in all five of Penn State’s games this season and has two 100-yard receiving days. He also has a touchdown in every game, including two last week against Indiana. Dotson’s six touchdowns rank him sixth in the nation.

Penn State and Iowa will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday in Iowa. The outcome of the game could have huge implications on the College Football Playoff down the road. The game is On3’s Week 6 Game of the Week.