Penn State’s offense garnered more respect than its defense and special teams units in all-conference recognition on Thursday.
The run game was especially rewarded, with Kaytron Allen earning first-team All-Big Ten accolades while Nick Singleton finished as an honorable mention. Both running backs broke program records this season, though Allen’s campaign proved more impactful as he amassed 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns on 210 carries, breaking the program record for career rushing yards. Singleton put up respectable numbers, totaling 123 carries for 549 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Despite making the first team, Allen wasn’t named the Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year, an honor that went to Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson instead.
Additionally, left guard Vega Ioane was a first-team honoree by the media and second-team selection from the coaches. He’s been a consistent force on the left side of the line, allowing no sacks and just three pressures this season.
Joining him, center Nick Dawkins, left tackle Drew Shelton and right tackle Nolan Rucci were named honorable mentions. Tight end Khalil Dinkins, who had just 14 receptions for 167 yards and two scores this season but has been praised for his blocking prowess, was also an honorable mention.
The honors were rolled out one day after Penn State’s defense and special teams were left off the first and second teams, though several players picked up third-team and honorable mention nods.
