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The Penn State Football Backfield is a 3-Headed Monster: Meet the Dominant Trio

The 2023 Penn State football backfield may be the best in the entire country.

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Penn State football backfield, Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton, Trey Potts
Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs with the ball while stiff arming Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Donte Kent (4) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions head into the upcoming fall season with minimal uncertainties. However, one of the significant storylines during spring training revolved around the competition for the RB3 position. The team successfully addressed this need by securing Trey Potts, a seasoned Big Ten running back, through the transfer portal. Potts’ addition not only fulfills the critical requirement for depth and experience at the running back position but also strengthens the team’s standing within the conference. Consequently, the Penn State football backfield now presents a formidable 3-headed monster, featuring exceptional talents in Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and newly acquired transfer Trey Potts.

Penn State football backfield shaping up to be a scary 3-headed monster

During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the Nittany Lions’ offense suffered from a significant deficiency: a lack of a formidable ground game. In fact, throughout those two seasons, a Penn State running back managed to surpass the 100-yard mark only once, when Keyvone Lee accomplished the feat against the Michigan Wolverines in 2020; Penn State emerged victorious in that game, securing a 27-17 win.

Furthermore, prior to last season, Miles Sanders stood as the sole Penn State back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, achieving the milestone in 2018, until Nick Singleton replicated the feat in 2022.

A year ago, the remarkable true freshman duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of fans nationwide and revitalizing the Lions’ offense. Bolstered by this newfound rushing attack emanating from the formidable Penn State football backfield, the Nittany Lions’ offense progressed significantly, culminating in an impressive 11-2 record and a triumph in the Rose Bowl game.

As the 2023 season approaches, both Allen and Singleton have undergone significant physical development, exhibiting increased size, speed, and strength compared to their true freshman year. Moreover, the Lions have bolstered their backfield by adding a seasoned Big Ten veteran, ensuring depth and experience. Overall, the running back room has harmoniously come together, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Nick Singleton: The flash

A year ago, Penn State football fans were left in awe just a couple of weeks into the season, witnessing the incredible speed and flash of Nick Singleton. In numerous instances, if you were to compare clips of Saquon Barkley and Nick Singleton side by side, it would take a moment to discern between the two.

Singleton’s remarkable ability to elude tackles, evade defenders, and exploit running lanes outside the tackle box establishes him as one of the most lethal running backs in the entire country. As repeatedly demonstrated in 2022, when Nick Singleton finds even a sliver of open space, no defense in the nation can impede his progress.

Kaytron Allen: The grit

One of the underappreciated components of last year’s Penn State offense was Kaytron Allen. Like Singleton, Allen was a true freshman in the previous season, and despite not initially garnering the same level of hype or flash as Singleton, his contributions were equally crucial. The reason for his relatively lower visibility is straightforward: Kaytron embraced the unglamorous tasks for the Nittany Lions’ offense.

On the goal line? Give it to Kaytron. Need to gain 4-5 yards against a heavily fortified defense? Give it to Kaytron. Want to wear down the opposing defense? Give it to Kaytron. Do you see where I’m heading with this?

Kaytron Allen displayed an apparent indomitability in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Even after initial contact, it consistently required multiple tacklers to slow down the determined true freshman. As the 2023 season approaches, the young running back has grown in both size and strength compared to last year — an aspect that should genuinely concern the entire Big Ten conference.

Trey Potts: A new face with old ties

The latest addition to the 2023 Penn State football backfield is Trey Potts, a seasoned Big Ten running back from the Minnesota Golden Gophers. While Potts may be a fresh face on Penn State’s sideline, he is far from unfamiliar with the Big Ten or the state of Pennsylvania, as he hails from PA and has been a lifelong fan of the Nittany Lions. With four seasons of Big Ten experience under his belt, including a victory over Penn State in 2019 and a 45-17 loss to them in 2022, Potts brings a valuable veteran presence to the team.

Although Potts may not receive extensive playing time in each game this fall, his presence as RB3 will be instrumental in the Nittany Lions’ long-term success, especially considering the challenging schedule they face in the competitive Big Ten conference.



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New Penn State football commit says PSU can win national title

The newest Penn State football commit is gunning for a national title.

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Penn State football, Deryc Plazz, national title, 2024 recruiting class
Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Penn State football made an exciting addition to its 2024 recruiting class by securing the commitment of three-star offensive tackle Deryc Plazz from Florida. Shortly after joining the team, Plazz expressed his bold aspirations for Penn State’s future, confidently proclaiming that the program is poised to claim a future national title and more.

A future national title for Penn State football?

Freshly committed to Penn State football, Deryc Plazz wasted no time in immersing himself in the pursuit of the team’s first national championship since 1986. This promising three-star prospect from Florida showcased his ambitious mindset by sharing his optimistic vision for the future of football in Happy Valley.

“The current class is amazing and it’s truly a blessing to be a part of something this special,” Plazz said, according to Steve Wiltfong. “Looking to load this class up and bring a Natty to Happy Valley.”

Deryc Plazz, Penn State gunning to go above and beyond in the years to come

Plazz doesn’t just want to win a national title during his time at Penn State football, he believes that the Nittany Lions are on track to do so in the near future.

“What’s most exciting about the program is that we’re on track to win a National Championship and that’s the purpose of playing,” Plazz continued. “The opportunity to win a National Championship was the biggest thing. Just knowing that we will constantly be competitive in the college football playoff while and with this 24 class loading up I know we will definitely win it.”

A glass ceiling that needs to break

Currently, Penn State football is showing promising signs of being a strong contender for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff this upcoming season. Preseason polls from various outlets consistently rank the Nittany Lions within the range of No. 5-10, which is well-deserved considering their impressive 11-2 record and Rose Bowl victory under the leadership of James Franklin last year.

However, many projections still anticipate Penn State falling short against formidable opponents like Michigan and Ohio State, which would likely result in another New Year’s Six bowl appearance for the team.

While such a season would still be commendable, as being a top 10 program is an achievement in itself, it is encouraging to see the aspirations of Deryc Plazz and the rest of the 2024 recruiting class. Their desire to strive for greater success in the Blue and White during their tenure is a positive indicator of the program’s ambitions and the determination of its players, commits, and the team’s culture in the years to come.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith joins PA-based sports talent firm

The Penn State WR is the third Nittany Lion to sign with the firm since May.

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Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State Football, PA sports talent firm
Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, it was announced that Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith had signed with Inch & Co. Sports, a new PA-based sports talent firm. Lambert-Smith becomes the third Penn State football player to sign with the firm in the last month. The founders of Inch & Co. Sports, John and Jeff Inch, and their larger network of PA-based companies, have become increasingly involved in Penn State’s NIL and athlete representation landscape over the last year.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith signs with PA-based sports talent firm

On Saturday evening, Inch & Co. Sports announced via its social media pages that the organization had signed KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The Penn State WR is coming off a budding end to the 2022 season, where he hauled in 8 catches for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Nittany Lions’ final two games. Reporting out of spring practice indicated that Lambert-Smith had separated himself from the pack of Penn State receivers.

“He’s been really good so far this spring,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We need him to be THE guy, a true number one [receiver], not just at Penn State but really in the [Big Ten] and a guy that people are talking about nationally.”

Inch & Co. Sports establishes itself in the Penn State football NIL landscape

Inch & Co. Sports is a York County, PA-based sports talent firm. The company’s founders, brothers John and Jeff Inch, are credited with starting “one of the fastest growing real estate construction companies in the U.S.” According to the firm’s website, its mission is “Representing our athletes with integrity and originality…Whether it’s giving back to the underprivileged, monetizing their image, or guiding them through a professional decision; building trust through honesty is our goal.”

KeAndre Lambert-Smith is the third Penn State football player to sign with the organization since May. The firm first signed QB Beau Pribula, who was a standout at York Central High School, on May 16. Inch & Co. added CB Johnny Dixon later in the month.

Over the last several months, the Inch & Co. network of companies has been establishing itself in the Penn State NIL landscape. In December, the company made headlines when it provided Teslas via a NIL partnership to four Nittany Lions – QB Drew Allar, LB Abdul Carter, CB Kalen King, and OT Olu Fashanu. Pribula was added to the partnership several weeks later.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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New Penn State football quarterback set to enroll early next spring

New Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer is set to enroll early next spring.

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New Penn State football quarterback commit
© Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

All Blue and White fans are clamoring about new Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer, who committed to the Nittany Lions late last month. Now, new reports are suggesting that Penn State’s new quarterback intends to enroll in the university early next spring and get extra time with the team and coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season.

Ethan Grunkemeyer set to enroll early

Ethan Grunkemeyer has been a heavily discussed topic among Penn State football fans. At first, a number of fans and talking heads jumped to conclusions, all voicing disappointment due to his three-star rating. However, upon closer observation, it becomes clear that this new 2024 QB may turn into something special as time goes on.

Grunkemeyer, like Drew Allar, committed to Penn State as a three-star but is expected to become a four-star or even better when all is said and done. In fact, Grunkemeyer earned a bid in State College last month and will be competing with the nation’s top quarterbacks at the Elite 11 finals.

“I’m just really excited to be surrounded by great people — Coach Franklin, Coach Yurcich, Coach [Danny] O’Brien,” Grunkemeyer told 247 Sports in a recent podcast interview. “I’ve built a really good relationship with all those guys. And I know Drew, and he loves his experience there so far. So I’m really happy where I landed, and I’m really excited to start to work with those guys.”

Penn State football has something special with new 2024 quarterback

According to the most recent composite rankings, Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer remains a three-star recruit. He is currently ranked as the No. 751 recruit in the nation, the No. 46 quarterback in the 2024 class, and the No. 24 recruit in the state of Ohio. While he may not be the highest-ranked recruit in Penn State’s class, the Nittany Lions have a special player with a bright future ahead of them.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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