Thursday, March 28, 2024
Home » News » Local & Penn State Sports » Penn State Football: Allen and Singleton Impress with Vision and Physicality

Penn State Football: Allen and Singleton Impress with Vision and Physicality

no description

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Penn State true freshman running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton were instrumental in the Nittany Lions’ 45-14 victory over Indiana on Saturday afternoon, a good sign for Penn State’s future both in 2022 and beyond.

Allen led the way with 18 carries for 86-yards and three touchdowns while Singleton managed 73-yards and a touchdown of his own on 16 carries. The duo’s physical and finesse-filled outing a highlight on a windy afternoon in Bloomington against a rushing defense that entered the game No. 83 in the nation.

“The way that he’s developed is awesome,” Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford said of Allen. “I remember when he first got here, and to say that he was anything close to the player that he is now compared to there would be [incorrect.] The way he works – jumping in during the winter, he’s the most improved player I think I’ve seen probably in my career over such a short time.”

It’s hard to deny how impressive Allen has looked this season. Over the past three games he has rushed for 75+ yards while never averaging less than 4.8 yards per carry. His mix of vision, physical running and quickness an impressive collection of traits for a player so young. Allen also added two receptions for 72-yards, 45 of them coming on one play, nearly all after the catch. Impressive indeed.

Just ask Penn State tight end Brenton Strange, who is constantly amazed by the duo.

“I’ve been seeing it since the spring, and it still impresses me,” Strange said after the game. “I just asked Kaytron how old he was. He said 19, Nick said 18 I believe. It’s just so impressive. He scored three touchdowns as an 18 year old so I’m very proud of those guys and they only gonna continue to improve and keep getting better.”

Does that success come with a sound? Sometimes it sounds like the crowd roaring, sometimes it sounds like a thud as pads his pads. Sometimes it sounds like the crowd being quieted as Allen or Singleton head into the end zone.

Or if you’re on the field, sometimes it sounds like the wind.

“In the Auburn game, we had a play where I was going up to the linebacker or something,” offensive tackle Bryce Effner said. “Then there was [a feeling] like when you’re standing too close to the train station and the train goes by. It was right past my ear. I heard it and after I looked Nick Singleton is already 10 yards [away.] I tried to run after him but I mean, it was like trying to chase after the sun going over the sunrise.”