James Franklin touts ‘excitement’ around freshman running backs

One of the key strengths of the Penn State football team this season is overall depth. Typically by this point in the season, true freshmen skill positions would have seen the field. At the same time, it’s great that some of these players have been able to use this season to continue to develop. That’s where running backs Cam Wallace and London Montgomery find themselves in 2023. They have yet to see the field; however, they are progressing well, according to James Franklin.

James Franklin provides an update on two freshmen running backs

Thanks to the addition of Trey Potts in the transfer portal this offseason for Penn State, the running back room has had plenty of depth. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen continue to split carries, and Potts has carved out a larger role. Meanwhile, Cam Wallace and London Montgomery have learned from the more veteran backs. James Franklin recently spoke about both players after practice.

Franklin said, “We’ve been pleased with both of them. They both came in a little undersized so being able to get Trey [Potts] in here has been really valuable because we weren’t dependent on an undersized true freshman back as your third back. I think they both came in 170-175 somewhere around there. Cam [Wallace] is up to 192 right now, he’s done really well.”

“London [Montgomery] has struggled to put some weight on,” Franklin continued. “But in terms of football IQ, in terms of their vision, their ability to pass pro, they’ve shown that they’re tough and they’ll stick their faces in there. The Sunday night scrimmages have been really good. I think both of those guys, if they’re willing to do the things off the field, specifically in the weight room and with nutrition and things like that. Then, I think they both have the chance to have bright futures, and I think there’s some excitement around both of these guys.”

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