FOOTBALL

Penn State’s elite RB duo is competing at everything this spring

Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen took the Big Ten by storm in 2022. Now, the duo uses their fiery relationship to push Penn State football to new heights.

Published

2 months ago

April 5, 2023

Matt Thomas

Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Penn State Football

Penn State freshman running backs Nicholas Singleton (10) and Kaytron Allen share a laugh together as they warm up before the 2022 Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in State College. Hes Dr 042322 Bluewhite © Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

State College — Penn State’s dynamic freshman running back duo took the Big Ten by storm in 2022. By the end of September, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen cemented themselves as mainstays in the Nittany Lions running back room. By the time Singleton streaked 87 yards down the sideline in Penn State’s 35-21 Rose Bowl victory, the pair had emerged as one of the best tailback combinations in the conference and were ready to leap onto the national stage. Now in year two, Singleton and Allen feel they are ready to launch Penn State football to new heights.

The goals laid out by Singleton and others during Tuesday’s media availability were undoubtedly lofty. But according to Singleton, the motivational dynamic between the two standout running backs helps to raise the level of play for the entire room.

‘Compete in everything we do’: Nick Singleton talks firey relationship with Kaytron Allen

Last fall, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen had two of the best freshman seasons in Penn State football history. With 1,061 yards, Singleton joined Saquon Barkley as the only other Nittany Lion running back to rush for at least 1,000 yards in their freshman campaign. He also set a Penn State freshman record with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen was not far behind, with 10 rushing touchdowns and 867 yards, the fourth-most by a freshman in program history. Together, the duo became the first true freshman teammates to run for at least 700 yards each in Big Ten history.

Given the prolific seasons from both, much has been made of the personal dynamic that exists between Singleton and Allen. In the transfer portal era, it’s not unexpected to see a prominent pair split up so that each can play a primary role in an offense. But during media availability on Tuesday, Singleton made it clear that the duo — and the entire running back room — uses their success to motivate each other.

“Yeah, me and Kaytron, we’re really good,” Singleton said. “We compete in everything we do, you know…we help each other out. Not just us two. We compete with the whole room, really Tank [Smith], Amiel [Davis], Tyler [Holzworth]. They’ve been really good. So, we have a great running back room. We’re all good.”

Singleton would further compliment Allen’s work ethic, including his incredible body transformation. Last year, Allen lost over 20 pounds before the start of the season and has now added over 15 pounds of mass in the latest roster update.

“Kaytron, like I said, he’s a good player. “Throughout last year — summer — you could tell his body changed,” Singleton stated. “Even this year, going through winter workouts and spring. His body looks good, man. He’s been working his butt off.”

‘All us on us “: Running backs can lead the way for Penn State in 2023

Since the lights went out in Pasadena, Penn State’s returning roster has expressed that 2023 was about achieving something more. Now, the spotlight is returning to Happy Valley with an intensity that hasn’t existed for several years. This is especially true for a proven running back room that will be lining up beside a first-year starter at quarterback. But according to Singleton, the attention is a challenge that can fuel the offense to become even better.

“…me, Kaytron, like the whole running back room — especially Coach [Ja’Juan] Seider — are preaching all eyes on us now,” Singleton stated. “So you know, we got to step it up.” Singleton went on to express how expected starter Drew Allar can help to open up the offense. “It helps a lot with Drew [Allar] because he’s a good player, too,” he said. “He can run, throw the ball, so they got to respect that. So it helps us out so they won’t load the box on us like they were usually doing [last year].”

If Penn State football is to achieve its lofty goals, it starts this spring. And while Big Ten titles or national championships can’t be won in September, they certainly can be lost there. That’s why, for now, Singleton and the rest of the Lions are taking an incremental approach to the 2023 season. “…right now, we are focused on West Virginia,” Singleton said. “Just getting ready for them and finishing the spring off right.”

Penn State football closes spring practice in two weeks during the annual Blue-White game on April 15.

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

21 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).