ESPN ranks two Penn State football players in top 100 college football players list

The Penn State football team is slated to be loaded with star talent this fall. But two players specifically have stood out to ESPN who has recently ranked the top 100 players in college football. With Nittany Lion defensive end Abdul Carter and running back Kaytron Allen both making the cut.

Abdul Carter has been a problem for opposing defenses for two years with the Penn State football team. His ability to rush the passer and collect open-field tackles has been on full display since 2022. This season, he has chosen to make a career-changing decision by transitioning to defensive end.

In ESPN’s top 100 player ranking, Abdul Carter came in at No. 20.

“Carter became the first Penn State linebacker since 2007 to finish with at least six sacks and 10 tackles for loss in a season. He has since moved to defensive end, where he’ll spearhead the Nittany Lions pass rush after posting a 24.4% pressure rate on 90 pass rushing attempts last year.”

Allen over Singleton

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Since Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have stepped on campus they have both been productive running backs. But the spotlight has focused on Singleton over Allen due to his ability to create explosive plays. However, ESPN views things differently based on the consistency that Allen has played with.

ESPN ranked Kaytron Allen at No.69 in the top 100 players in college football.

“He has shared carries with Nicholas Singleton in his first two seasons but projects as the stronger NFL draft prospect. Allen earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last fall and has shown remarkably similar production in his first two college seasons. His usage as a pass catcher likely will increase under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.”

Allen and Singleton will continue to be thunder and lightning on the field this fall. In his Penn State football career, Allen has accounted for 1769 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns since his college football career began in Happy Valley.

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