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James Franklin sheds light on the depth at running back

By Audrey Snyder/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 8 years ago

One story line to keep an eye on as Penn State readies for camp is the position battle at running back.

Redshirt junior Akeel Lynch is the only player with any game experience and Lynch led the team in rushing last season after injuries and a sluggish offensive line gave way to a change in the backfield. Behind Lynch though is anyone’s guess. James Franklin is looking for a three deep and his options include the trio of redshirt freshmen scholarship backs in Nick Scott, Johnathan Thomas and Mark Allen as well as true freshmen scholarship backs Saquon Barkley and Andre Robinson. 

Barkley didn’t waste time impressing teammates once he arrived for workouts at the end of June. At 5-foot-11, 215 lbs. he’s built like a college ready running back --though teammates are quick to point out his baby face-- but will he be able to pick up the offense and particularly pass blocking quickly enough? 

“Saquon, the way he’s built is crazy already coming in like a freshman like that,” senior safety Jordan Lucas said. Due to Lucas’ class schedule he worked out with the freshmen regularly once they arrived. “His numbers in the weight room are ridiculous and he’s just a powerful kid. We watch him out there running when we do 7-on-7s and certain drills and he’s a very mature freshman so I’m impressed with him.”

Franklin said of the running backs Allen, the 5-foot-7, 181 pounder is one of the better pass protectors. Scott is a combination of Thomas and Allen while Robinson put together a high school campaign at in-state Bishop McDevitt that was one for the record books. 

Here’s Franklin’s take on the backfield and why he won’t yet rule out any freshman challenging for a key spot:

 

Audrey Snyder: asnyder@post-gazette.com and Twitter @audsnyder4