Penn State spring football preview: running backs
No position group is in a better position at Penn State currently than the running back position. The Nittany Lions arguably have the best running back in college football and his backup is not too far behind him either.
Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen came onto the State College campus last year with the hope they could reset the offense and take pressure off of Sean Clifford. Not only did they achieve that but they far surpassed expectations in the process. They would end their miraculous freshman season with a Rose Bowl win and now they have to top that for an encore.
Take a look at the two-headed monster at leads the Penn State running back group.
Nick Singleton
Syndication: York Daily Record
Measurables: 6’0″ 218 lbs.
Year: Sophomore
Expected Role: Starting Running Back
[autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] is coming off a freshman season that was one for the record books. He ran for 1,061 yards on just 151 carries while finding the endzone 12 times. The most impressive part of his freshman season was that his two highest rushing totals on the year (179 and 124 yards) came in games where he had just 10 carries. The homerun ability he has in his rushing style is unmatched in the country right now.
Kaytron Allen
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Measurables: 5’11″ 2211 lbs.
Year: Sophomore
Expected Role: Backup Running Back
It doesn’t feel right calling [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag] the backup but officially that is what he is on the depth chart. He actually had more carries than Singleton but had fewer yards per carry. Despite all that he had 867 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns at the same time. He and Allen cemented themselves as the top running-back duo in the country. They are expected to have a repeat performance in 2023 and if they do this could be an all-time pairing in college football.
Tank Smith
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Measurables: 5’7″ 228 lbs.
Year: RS Senior
Expected Role: Reserve Running Back
[autotag]Tank Smith[/autotag] has not been in a starting role during his time at State College but he has been more of a blocking back and a bowling ball type of runner which is a nice change of pace. In 2022 he had career highs in every category but that won’t affect his outlook for 2023. Look for him to be in his regular reserve role.
