Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1524108
4 2 A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / 2 0 2 4 F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / doubt that both players would have had options had they chosen to pursue them this offseason. But neither did. "We all know that people were calling these kids behind closed doors and try- ing to play one against the other," Seider said. "It says a lot about who they are as men and how loyal they are. ... "I knew some things were going on. There's not a secret out there that I don't talk to those guys about, because they know I've got their best interests at heart. There's nobody who's going to fight for them more than I am. I'm going to take the heat for them." Seider said one of the reasons they've stuck together is that they understand that all of their ambitions are within reach at Penn State. "They know, 'I can still achieve all my goals and have a chance to do what we all want to do — and that's to win and to have an opportunity to play in the NFL,'" he said. "Could it have been different if they were the feature back? Yeah. We all know they could be 1,600-, 1,700-yard rushers, easily. But they put individual goals aside for team goals, and that says a lot about these two kids in this world where we can all be selfish." The focus now is on the future. On the field, Allen, who now stands 5-foot-11, 229 pounds, said his biggest offseason gains have come as a pass catcher. Off the field, he put in plenty of film room time this winter, spring and summer to have a more complete understanding of how defenses are trying to stop him and the Lions' offense. "The way I was looking at things be- fore I came in, like as a freshman, was that I just wanted to run the ball," Al- len said. "I just liked getting the ball and running the ball. But then, I started to figure out that you have to do more than just run the ball. You've got to play with- out the ball. You have to catch the ball and help other players on your team — block for them, just do different things, and not just run the ball." Singleton has improved his speed. He's now running a 4.33-second 40- yard dash at 227 pounds, down from the 4.39-second mark he posted at 216 pounds two years ago. He, too, has put an added emphasis on the X's and O's. Throughout the offseason, Singleton said he's been "studying defenses more, seeing what type of front they're in, pre- snap, post-snap. Just seeing what the defensive lineup is so I can react faster. Just being patient in the backfield, and when I see a hole, I just run through it. "I'm not trying to overthink stuff," he added. "I just trust my instincts. I'm go- ing to try to split the defense and score." The Next Level Both he and Allen are eager to see how they will be deployed by first-year of- fensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Known as a mad scientist of sorts when it comes to game planning, the former Kan- sas play-caller has replaced Mike Yurcich on Franklin's staff and will be looking to maximize both players' abilities. Kotelnicki said he's been impressed with Singleton since he began watch- ing film of Penn State in preparation for taking over the offense. In addition to Singleton's running, the new coordina- tor said he liked the junior's versatility, as evidenced by his 37 career catches for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns. "Nick Singleton is really trying to di- versify himself," Kotelnicki said. "He's done a great job of being multiple." Allen, too, has shown the ability to catch the ball effectively, having totaled 34 receptions for 269 yards and 2 scores. He's not as outgoing as his fellow run- ning back, but Allen's passion for the game has been obvious in his conversa- tions with Kotelnicki. "He's so much more introverted than Nick," the veteran assistant coach said. Quick Facts Position coach: Ja'Juan Seider (seventh season) Returning starters: Nicholas Singleton (14 career starts), Kaytron Allen (10) Departing starters: None Top reserve: Cam Wallace Newcomers: Quinton Martin Jr., Corey Smith After rushing for 1,769 yards in his first two seasons at Penn State, Allen has described his upcoming junior campaign as "my statement year." PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL