James Franklin shares wrinkle freshmen RBs could have in 2024 Penn State offense

Penn State football had a talented RB room get even better last week. On National Signing Day, the Nittany Lions landed two of the top RBs in the nation in Quinton Martin and Corey Smith. But in a crowded position room, do either of the freshmen have a path to see the field in 2024? After signing the top prospects, James Franklin highlighted the unique way Martin and Smith could contribute to the Penn State offense next fall.

James Franklin highlights versatile skillsets of Quinton Martin and Corey Smith on National Signing Day

Penn State football signed another top-15 recruiting class during last Wednesday’s National Signing Day. One of the headliners of the class was Quinton Martin, the four-star athlete and No. 1 prospect in Pennsylvania, who was recruited to play RB. But often overlooked is Corey Smith, a Wisconsin product who is a top-25 RB in the 2024 cycle in his own right.

Both Martin and Smith are among the most versatile athletes in Penn State’s 2024 class. During the National Signing Day festivities, James Franklin highlighted how both incoming freshmen could become assets in the passing game as well as on the ground for the Nittany Lions.

“I think what’s unique about both of our RBs this year in this class, both of them were used heavily as WRs [in high school],” Franklin said. “And I think in today’s college football or the NFL, the more ways you can use RBs, the better. I think we made a huge investment this off-season and during the season to use our running backs in different ways and want to continue to grow in that area.

“But I actually think both Quinton and Corey could play WR for us,” he continued. “The guys that we are recruiting really should be recruitable prospects on both sides of the ball. You should be able to make the argument that those guys are able to do it and do it at a high level.”

How lethal could the Penn State RBs be through the air in 2024?

Penn State football has rarely brought in one RB, let alone two, that can be as lethal through the air as Quinton Martin and Corey Smith.

Martin was one of the most dominant players on the Pennsylvania high school circuit during his career. Over the last two seasons, the Belle Vernon prospect has racked up over 2,400 yards and 38 touchdowns rushing, while adding 1,100 yards and 17 scores through the air.

Smith brings elite-level speed to Happy Valley. As a junior, he clocked the fastest in-game speed ever recorded in high school football at 22.8 mph. Although he battled injuries during his senior year, Smith still had 42 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Penn State football was much more committed to using its RBs in the passing game in 2023. Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Trey Potts combined for 40 catches, 360 yards, and 3 scores through the air this fall. The passing threat from the backfield is still fresh in everyone’s minds after Singleton popped off a 52-yard reception in the regular season finale against Michigan State.

There’s opportunity for growth here under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Last fall, Kansas RBs combined for 31 receptions, 280 yards, and 3 scores under his leadership. But Kotelnicki didn’t have the weapons in Lawrence like he’ll have in Happy Valley.

Given the current struggles at WR, I’d expect Penn State football to look to involve the RBs through the air early and often in 2024.

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