James Franklin a trio of Penn State football freshmen RBs impress in fall camp

The Penn State football team will rely heavily on Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen this fall. Both running backs are slated to have a full plate this season and should be the driving force of the Nittany Lion offense. But following practice on Tuesday night, James Franklin believes that three freshmen could contribute in the backfield this fall as well. Including Cam Wallace, Quinton Martin, and Corey Smith.

Cam Wallace is the leader amongst the three backs according to James Franklin. That aligns with what the Penn State football faithful saw on the field during the Blue-White Game, where Wallace looked impressive. Following practice on Tuesday night James Franklin explained how Wallace leads the other two freshmen.

“I would say Cam Wallace right now is probably in the lead,” Franklin said in regards to the third running back on the depth chart. “…If we were playing tomorrow Cam Wallace would probably be our third back.”

Wallace enters his redshirt freshman season in 2024. He was a member of the 2023 recruiting class where he held a three-star ranking. He had 7 carries for 36 yards in the Blue-White Game this past April.

Martin and Smith working their way into the rotation

Syndication: Hanover Evening Sun

The highly recruited running backs Quinton Martin and Corey Smith have also caught James Franklin’s eye during fall camp. The plan according to Franklin is for all three RBs to see the field this fall. Smith’s progress is impressive given the fact that he just joined the team a few months ago.

“I think Corey [Smith] has worked his way into that discussion,” Franklin stated. ” I think Corey has done some really good things.”

Smith was a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class who brings blazing speed to the Nittany Lion backfield this fall. His classmate Quinton Martin potentially has the most upside of the three running backs. Franklin believes he will also see the field this fall.

“I think it’s a battle between all three of them,” Franklin in regard to the No. 3 RB position. “I think both Quinton [Martin] and Corey [Smith] will play this year, we will see how this whole thing plays out.”

Martin was a top 100 recruit in the 2024 recruiting class. The Belle Vernon (Pennsylvania) native looks to impress during his true freshman campaign. During the Blue-White Game, he had 34 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

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