The Penn State running backs in 2022 exceeded expectations. The top two running backs throughout the season were both true freshmen, and they managed to have a great season. With how well they did, is it possible that the Nittany Lions have the best running backs in the Big Ten conference? The other schools’ run game needs to be evaluated, but it may be hard to beat the Nittany Lions, especially with how young the core is. Here is a look at why the Penn State running backs are possibly the best in the Big Ten.
A Look at the Penn State Running Backs
Penn State Running Backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton – Dan Rainville/USA TODAY NETWORK
First, let’s look back on the 2022 season. Last year was the first season for true freshmen Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Both players came in and stole the show on the Nittany Lions offense. Right away in the season, the two players clearly were going to be the number one and two Penn State running backs, beating out any other players on the team. The two were a big reason that the Nittany Lions did as well as they did. Penn State went to the Rose Bowl and beat Utah with both running backs in the game.
Nicholas Singleton
Singleton, as known, was a true freshman, and he still managed to put up big numbers in 2022. One of the keys to success for Singleton was that he remained healthy. That can definitely be thanks to Allen also getting the brunt of the reps, putting less pressure on Singleton. In 2022, the running back rushed the ball 156 times for 1,061 yards, according to Sports Reference. Over 1,000 yards in his first year is big, and the best is yet to come. He averaged 6.8 yards per rush and 12 touchdowns.
Singleton is primarily a running back but was utilized in the passing game as well. In the season, Singleton had 11 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. His speed was key in being able to get open for the pass. This gives the Penn State running backs the chance to be on the field at the same time to throw off opposing defenses.
Penn State RB Nick Singleton (10) – Joe Hermitt/jhermitt@pennlive.com
Kaytron Allen
Having two running backs split the reps helped Allen remain healthy throughout the season as well. The running back also played in all 13 games for the Nittany Lions. In the season, Allen rushed the ball 167 times for 867 yards, according to Sports Reference. It may not be as many yards as Singleton, but still a close comparison. He also rushed for ten touchdowns throughout the season. For this to be the second-most yards is still impressive for the Penn State running backs.
Similarly to Singleton, Allen had chances to receive on the field as well. Allen had 20 receptions in the season for 188 yards. He also had one receiving touchdown. This is pretty equivalent to Singleton, which definitely helped the offense get points on the board. Distributing to both running backs equally helps the offense never give away the plan to the opposing team’s defense.
The Other Penn State Running Backs
The Penn State Nittany Lions also had Kayvone Lee on the roster. Lee has played three seasons with the Nittany Lions, and in 2022, he had the fourth most rushing yards. Quarterback Sean Clifford was the player in front of him in rushing yards. With Singleton and Allen showing off, Lee entered the transfer portal in January and committed to Mississippi State.
Penn State also recently added Trey Potts to the mix through the transfer portal. Potts comes from a fellow Big Ten school, the University of Minnesota. Potts may not see much of the field but will be clutch for the team in case something happens to Allen and Singleton. Amiel Davis will also be on the roster in 2023. Davis was redshirted in 2021 and then did not see any game action in 2022. He did, however earn the coaching staff’s Developmental Squad Offensive Player of the Week in October of 2022. Amiel has a solid chance to be the third running back in 2023.
There are other Penn State running backs on their roster that will compete for a spot in 2023. This demonstrates how loaded the position is for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen (13) – Joe Hermitt
2023 Penn State Running Backs Expectations
Based on how well Singleton and Allen played in 2022, they will most likely only get better from here. The two players remained healthy in 2022, and if they continue with that, they both can easily put up over 1,000 yards in 2023. Penn State will have a new quarterback next season, and if there is a need to adjust at the beginning of the season, Allen and Singleton can be the safety net for the team. Penn State as a whole put up 2,354 rushing yards, according to ESPN, and will want to beat that in 2023. These Penn State running backs can make that happen.
Other Big Ten Schools
The other top schools in the Big Ten are Ohio State and Michigan. Ohio State ended the 2022 season with 2,501 rushing yards, according to ESPN. The top two players in the run game were Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson. Williams ended the season with 825 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Henderson ended the season with 571 yards and six touchdowns.
What makes Ohio State stand out in this comparison is they also had running back Dallan Hayden end the season with 553 yards and five touchdowns. The Penn State running backs put up more yards, but Ohio State had three solid quarterbacks, and who knows what will happen with them in 2023.
Michigan Wolverines RB Blake Corum (2) – Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports
The Michigan Wolverines ended the season with 3,345 total rushing yards, according to ESPN. The top two running backs were Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Corum ended the season with 1,463 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Corum will be returning to Michigan in 2023 and should be able to keep up those high numbers despite facing an injury in 2022. Edwards had 991 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Michigan and Penn State are in a similar spot where they have two running backs who played well for the team.
A sleeper team would have been Minnesota; however, the university has lost its top two running backs. Mohamed Ibrahim headed to the NFL, while Trey Potts is a grad transfer headed to Penn State. Other teams in the Big Ten have the potential for a strong run game in 2023 but face other issues that make it hard for the running backs to gain momentum.
The Big Ten conference will have a big season with their run game in 2023. It has to be proven in a tight raise, but it is very much possible that the Penn State running backs group is the best in the conference. Next season it will need to be compared again, as Singleton and Allen will still only be in year two by then.
