PFF: Penn State has Best Running Back Room in CFB

Pro Football Focus has crowned Penn State as champions… of the running back position.

Going into the season, the Penn State has, at worst, one of the strongest backfields in college football.

PFF believes it’s the best. 

The site’s college football analyst Max Chadwick believes Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen lead the best RB room of any team.

Singleton and Allen were the only duo to each rush for 1,000 yards last season. 

Pair of Penn State Players Reach Single-Season Milestones

In 499 career carries, Singleton owns 2,912 yards, 32 touchdowns and a 5.8 yards/carry average over three seasons. His freshman and junior seasons have been Singleton’s best, with a 752-yard campaign as a sophomore sandwiched in between. 

Singleton rushed for 6.4 yards/carry and set career bests in receptions (41), yards (375) and receiving touchdowns (five). 

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Allen has increased his production year after year. A key contributor, along with Singleton, since his freshman season, Allen set career-best rushing marks. 

He improved from 867 to 902 yards from freshman to sophomore year and lead PSU in rushing (1,108) playing every game as a junior. “Fatman” found the end zone 10 times as a freshman and owns 24 career rushing scores. 

Allen isn’t as good of a pass-catching back as Singleton – who had 52 catches for 422 yards and four touchdowns – but is the more physical back. 

He utilizes his 5-foot-11, 215-pound build to run over defenders and earn tough yards. Allen isn’t the biggest back but his pure power and athleticism give him an edge on defenders, and is one of the most experienced players in the game.

Allen averages 93.8 yards per game and 1,787 yards have come after contact, forcing 130 missed tackles.

Chadwick feels  Ohio State has the best wide receiver/tight end room. Texas is the only program with two position groups on the list, regarded as the top team at linebacker and defensive back.

Singleton and Allen delayed their NFL aspirations for a year to increase their stock and win a national championship. 

Penn State opens the season hosting Nevada on August 30 after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals.