The running back position has never been for the faint of heart. Every carry is an opportunity to deliver a hit or absorb one.
It’s a reality former Iowa State transfer and current Penn State running back Carson Hansen embraces.
“Being a physical running back is something every offense needs,” Hansen said during Penn State’s recent media day.
Ironically, one of Hansen’s biggest football influences isn’t remembered for overpowering defenders physically.
“A couple of guys I looked up to were my dad and Barry Sanders,” Hansen said. “My dad was a huge Barry Sanders fan, so he was kind of my No. 1 guy growing up. My dad also played running back at North Dakota State, so I watched a lot of his film, too. I’d say those two: my dad and Barry Sanders.”
That’s not to say Hansen’s father, Mark, lacked toughness during his career at North Dakota State from 1988-92. But growing up watching Barry Sanders helps explain the balance Carson Hansen has developed between explosiveness and physicality.
That combination was on full display last season at Iowa State.
Hansen rushed for 952 yards and six touchdowns while averaging an impressive amount of production after contact. According to Pro Football Focus, he totaled 565 rushing yards after contact and broke off 23 runs of at least 10 yards, proving he can punish defenders while still creating explosive plays.
As Hansen has settled into Happy Valley, his growth has caught the attention of Penn State’s coaching staff.
“He just got better and better and better,” head coach Matt Campbell said in April. “I think he’s in the best shape of his life, which is awesome to see. I think he’s really done a great job.”
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser echoed that praise.
“He is as trusted as any player I’ve coached,” Mouser said. “He is one of our best leaders and will set the tone for our offense this season.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Hansen enters a Penn State backfield beginning a new chapter. The departures of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton leave behind one of the most productive running back tandems in program history. Allen finished his career as Penn State’s all-time leading rusher with 4,180 yards, while Singleton departed as the school’s career leader with 45 rushing touchdowns.
Now, the room features transfers Hansen and former Ohio State running back James Peoples alongside returning backs Quinton Martin Jr. and Cam Wallace.
Despite the new faces, Hansen believes the chemistry has developed quickly, crediting running backs coach Savon Huggins for creating the culture.
“I think we’ve built a great bond,” Hansen said. “We’ve known each other for about six or seven months now, and it’s been a great experience. We know when it’s time to lock in during meetings, and we know when it’s time to have fun. You have to find that balance between being focused and enjoying being around the guys.
“Coach Huggins has done an amazing job since coming over from Boston College. He learned the playbook really quickly and has done a great job coaching us. Coach (Sheldon) Croney, our assistant running backs coach, has also been outstanding. He’s been in the system for a while, so he adds a lot during meetings and really helps us understand the offense.”
Hansen is equally encouraged by the group paving the way in front of him.
“We’ve seen a lot of talent. Those guys get great push up front, and we saw that during the spring,” Hansen said. “A few guys who have really stood out are Brock Riker, Malachi Goodman, Cooper Cousins and Trevor Buhr. They’ve all done a phenomenal job. They’re dogs up front, and we couldn’t do it without them. I really appreciate those guys.”
For Hansen, though, everything comes back to the identity he wants to bring to Penn State’s offense.
“I’d just say being a physical running back is something every offense needs,” Hansen said. “You have to be able to get downhill and run north and south. That’s what the running back position is all about, and I think it should be that way from Day One.
“That’s what I believe, and I think every college football team is looking for that type of back. It’s something every offense needs, and it’s needed in the NFL, too.”
If Hansen’s first season in Happy Valley resembles the one he put together at Iowa State, Penn State’s transition to a new-look backfield could be much smoother than expected. His combination of power, vision and explosiveness gives the Nittany Lions a proven playmaker, while his leadership and physical mindset provide the kind of tone-setting presence every offense hopes to build around.
