Kaden Saunders has been one of the bigger “what ifs” in recent memory for Penn State. In 2023 he started the season as the No. 1 punt returner, but was dethroned by Daequan Hardy.
Last year, he returned to field punts, but an injury in fall camp led to him seeing no action at receiver all year.
Now, it could be time for Saunders to bounce back and prove that he can be the playmaker James Franklin and company recruited him to be out of Columbus, Ohio.
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 176 pounds
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Before Penn State: Saunders was a four-year letter winner and two-time captain at Westville South High School where he helped lead his team to three winning seasons. Saunders accepted an invitation to play in the 2022 Under Armour All-American game prior to arriving at Penn State.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.2023: Saunders saw extensive playing time on special teams and on offense in 2023 as he appeared in 12 games. He hauled in six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown and was the primary punt returner the first five games of the season.
Last year: The injury bug bit Saunders hard as he played only in the first four games before being ruled out for the season. He didn’t log any offensive statistics in those four games.
Where he stands: Saunders has been the biggest what if for the Penn State receiving room. Now, it’s a room restocked with what looks to be quality talent, which could leave Saunders on the outside looking in for reps on the field. Saunders needs to be a game-changer on special teams to see the field regularly coming off an injury. The problem there is that one of the receivers Penn State added, Devonte Ross, was an all-conference returner at Troy.
A quote by Saunders:“Show the coaches, remind, not show the coaches, remind the coaches what I can do, remind the team like I’m a playmaker, too.” Saunders during THON’s athlete hour.
A quote about Saunders:“The receivers have taken a huge step forward for us this spring. I think you know that room has taken a lot of improvements. We have a lot of old guys in that room now, and they’ve taken the next step in their progressions. And you saw today, we have a lot of exciting youth in that room, so that room has really taken a step forward, and it’s going to be a huge summer for them.” — Penn State QB Drew Allar
