Penn State’s running backs group was already deemed strong last season. The team came out with two true freshmen in 2022, and both were unstoppable. With Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen in year two, it looks like there is no slowing down for them. Other players on the roster are showing up for this team as well. Here is a look at Penn State’s running backs and their already big impact on the field this year.
Penn State’s Running Backs: 2 Possible Starters
Before going into detail on the individual Penn State players, it should be known that there are two starters on this team. Head coach James Franklin has even rotated who starts each game to show how both of Penn State’s running backs could start. Nicholas Singleton has the edge, but Kaytron Allen is a stud. Both are true sophomores and have the chance to reach 1,000 rushing yards each. Here is more detail on both of Penn State’s running backs and who else deserves recognition.
With reps being split between the two players and also varying who starts each week, some would expect Penn State’s running backs to have some tension between them. That is not the case. The two players are roommates and genuinely push each other each week. There is a rivalry where one tries to score more than the other, but that alone pushes each other each week.
Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton – Barry Reeger/AP
Nicholas Singleton
Singleton is a speedy athlete for this Nittany Lions offense. In just four games, he has rushed the ball 53 times for 203 yards, according to Sports Reference. Singleton also has five rushing touchdowns already this year, compared to 12 in 2022. There is a high chance he could surpass what he reached in 2022. He has been missing that long run, but it gets closer each week. His longest run for the season has been for just 19 yards, according to ESPN. Singleton just needs that one burst to break through the last defender, and he could get that big run soon.
Kaytron Allen
Allen and Singleton, as Penn State’s running backs, work so well together. Though Singleton is usually the starter, Allen gets just as many opportunities. In the first four weeks of the season, Allen is the rushing yards leader on the Nittany Lions. This season, Allen has rushed the ball 63 times for 280 yards, according to Sports Reference. He also has two rushing touchdowns so far. Similarly to Singleton, Allen’s longest run has been for just 18 yards, according to ESPN. With the passing game improving, the run game is not as used, but it still helps push the offense downfield.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen (13) – Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Trey Potts
Penn State’s running backs are more loaded than just Singleton and Allen. Trey Potts transferred this year from the University of Minnesota to join the Nittany Lions. This is his fifth year playing college football, and he is a solid player. With Penn State being able to pull their starters in the fourth quarter this season, Potts has had plenty of opportunities to see the field.
This season, in just four games, Potts has rushed the ball 16 times for 84 yards, according to Sports Reference. He tends to go into the game when the team is trying to run out the clock, but he still gives it his all. While the focus has been on rushing yards, Potts did pass a ball that landed in the hands of Tyler Warren for a touchdown.
While these three may be the more talked about of Penn State’s running backs this year, the team has also utilized senior Tank Smith and sophomore Tyler Holzwirth. They may not get many reps, but they still get their carries.
Penn State RB Trey Potts (23) – Steven Walter/Penn State Athletics
Penn State’s Running Backs’ Overall Stats
Ahead of the season, it was projected that both Allen and Singleton would surpass 1,000 rushing yards each. So far, they both have surpassed 200, Allen almost at 300. As a unit, Penn State has rushed for 840 yards with ten rushing touchdowns, according to ESPN. Of those rushing yards, 600 have specifically been from Penn State’s running backs.
The only thing holding back Penn State’s running backs from putting up big yards each week is that the team has improved big time with passing the ball. This is not a bad thing by any means. Statistically, it is going to impact the run game, but team-wide, this increases their chances of winning.
This could also increase the chances that the Nittany Lions can make bigger runs. Heading into week five, quarterback Drew Allar is much more settled in the pocket. Without Penn State favoring one playing style, opponents will have to game plan for both. This means fans should expect Allen and Singleton to finally get those big runs soon.
The next game for the Penn State Nittany Lions will be against the Northwestern Wildcats. Penn State is officially 4-0 following a big win against Iowa. Northwestern is coming off of a big win against Minnesota, increasing their record to 2-2. The game will be this Saturday, September 30th, at Ryan Field.
