The running backs represent one of Penn State's most complete position groups heading into 2024. And with Nicholas Singleton and Caitron Allen entering their third year as co-starters, coach Jajuan Seider's group shows no signs of stopping.
The pair of young names should compete for playing time behind Singleton and Allen. On the other hand, thanks to the transfer portal, the dynamics of the position have changed slightly. Continuing our Penn State standings breakdown series, let's take a closer look at this year's “LawnBoyz.”
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storyline
Allen and Singleton haven't gone anywhere since regaining their momentum at the end of last season, including their elite talent and contrasting styles. While fans debate which back is better, both are top-level backs in the Big Ten and are ready for another big season in Happy Valley. The big question is, will this be the last? I'm saying that. Allen and Singleton are eligible to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, and at this rate it seems likely that both will participate.
With Trey Potts coming into the NFL last year as a plug-and-play third player, the No. 3 spot has some intrigue, not only this fall but well into the future. Class of 2023 graduate London Montgomery has entered the transfer portal, making it a two-man race between redshirt freshman Cam Wallace and early enrollee Quinton Martin.
Alphas
Penn State fans are already familiar with Allen and Singleton. Singleton surpassed the 1,000-yard mark as a freshman in 2022 and gained 752 yards on 4.4 yards per carry and eight touchdowns in 2023. He proved he still has breakaway speed, even if he seems a step slow at times. A game changer for Penn State. Singleton also received high praise from the coaching staff for his development as an all-around runner, including his vision and physicality.
Meanwhile, Allen gained 902 yards and six touchdowns, more than he had in 2022. Although he doesn't have Singleton's speed, he is a crafty, physical ball carrier who can always find tight holes at the line of scrimmage and always fall forward to gain extra yards. There's a reason these two were named Penn State's offensive MVPs at the end of last season.
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Players you don't know yet
Wallace and Martin had a chance to shine in the blue-white game, and they did just that. Wallace was busy, gaining 36 yards on seven carries for an efficient 5.1 yards per carry. Martin carried the ball six times for 34 yards and scored two impressive touchdowns. It should be fun to watch them compete this year.
Wallace did not see any action as he redshirted in 2023, but he is a great athlete who showed solid speed and agility during the spring game. He's a hot topic among his coaches and teammates.
Martin is the No. 3 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania and the No. 6 running back in the nation coming out of high school, with plenty of potential as both a back and a pass catcher. He is still in his infancy, with coaches saying he needs time to adjust to Penn State's offseason workout program. But he will touch the ball this fall, and he could make a home call anytime. He will also look to compete in returning kicks and punts.
Problems on site
Penn State's receiving out of the backfield has been lackluster lately. Singleton made some big plays late in the season after Seider and tight ends coach Ty Howle took over as interim offensive coordinator, but he was inconsistent on passing plays. Allen only averaged 6.23 yards on 14 catches.
Singleton reiterated that pass-catching remains one of his biggest focuses this spring. Allen also teased that first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will sometimes have running backs split up as wide receivers.
The development of the passing game will give Penn State's talented backs more opportunities to get the ball in space, creating more opportunities for explosive plays that the offense avoided last season. In the end, it took Singleton until Oct. 21 against Ohio State and Allen until Nov. 11 against Michigan State to record his first 20-yard run of the season.
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Can Penn State win the Big Ten with this position group?
Yes, 100%. The only teams that could theoretically claim to have a running back room on par with Penn State would be Ohio State, which added Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins from the transfer portal, or Michigan, which brought back Donovan Edwards. . And even then, Penn State will probably win these arguments because of the depth that Wallace and Martin have to offer.
Singleton and Allen's performance slumped in 2023, at least according to the eye test. However, poor play in the passing game and frequently questionable play calling affected the group's success. Kotelnicki should have a field day in Happy Valley after turning the University of Kansas into an NCAA top-10 rushing attack.
Max Ralph is a senior at Penn State University studying Broadcast Journalism with minors in Sports Studies and Japanese. He previously covered Penn State football for two years for The Daily Collegian, the Associated Press and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Follow him on Twitter (X) @maxralph_ and on his Instagram @mralph_59.