Penn State Could Have Multiple True Freshmen Play

By Jay Berry

Penn State is aiming to strike gold with another true freshman running back, as well as potentially utilizing two other freshmen in different positions.

Running Back

In the 2022 season, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen made history by becoming the first running back duo in Big Ten history to each have over 700 yards. Singleton rushed for 1,061 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Allen contributed 867 rushing yards on 167 carries and garnered over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage.

This season, another talented true freshman running back is in the mix.

Four-star recruit Quintin Martin Jr , from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, was ranked as the No. 3 player in the state and the No. 6 running back in the country. He will be competing for the third spot at running back.

Martin stood out during the Penn State Blue-White spring game and was named MVP. He demonstrated great field vision, the ability to read blocks, and showed toughness. Martin consistently stepped up to meet the linebacker during blitz pickups and showed excellent agility, making him difficult to tackle.

When asked about making a decision on the depth chart. Coach Franklin said it all comes down to availability. Who is available health-wise and who can be counted on.  Martin will be competing with Cam Wallace for the #3 running back spot.

Linebacker Kobe King had positive things to say about Martin after the spring game.

“Cam is quick. He's quick, fast, elusive. But the new guy, [Martin], is like a receiver in the backfield,” linebacker Kobe King said. “He's running his routes, he's sticking his routes, he's athletic, he shows elusiveness and he could bring a different type of style to our offense.”

True freshman, running backs that contribute are nothing new for Penn State, however. Saquon Barkley earned immediate playing time as a true freshman.

During his freshman year at Penn State in 2015, Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards on 182 carries. Earning second-team All-Big Ten with some votes for first-team status and being named BTN.com Freshman of the Year.

Wide Receiver

Running back is not the only position at Penn State where a true freshman could make a significant contribution. It seems like the wide-open wide receiver room could also benefit from the addition of a talented freshman such as Tyseer Denmark .

Denmark showcased impressive skills and confident playmaking during the Big 33 Game against the Maryland All-Star team. He is ranked 19th among Phil Steele's top freshman wide receivers for the upcoming 2024 season. As for competition, it appears that aside from expected starters Julian Fleming and Tre Wallace , no one stands in his way for playing time.

O-Line

The offensive line of Penn State is going through some changes. Both of the starting tackles from last season are now in the NFL, and they also need to find a replacement for Center Hunter Nourzad.

It's possible that we might see a true freshman taking contributing at the Center position this season. That player is Cooper Cousins, who has been hailed as Penn State's most advanced true freshman offensive lineman in years . Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Cousins has the size and strength to handle defenders. His strong work ethic, confidence, and versatility have impressed teammates and coaches, and he has the potential to play a key role at center or guard.

Cousins definitely has the size to earn immediate playing time and the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Whether or not he will be the week one starter remains to be seen, but he's definitely a freshman to pay attention to.

"Rarely do you get an offensive lineman coming in here who just fits in from a body-type standpoint and from a mentality and demeanor standpoint," Penn State strength coach Chuck Losey said of Cousins.

With the Big 10 media days in full swing this week stay tuned. Mike Farrell Sports national columnist Kyle Golik is there live with lots of updates from the conference and for the Nittany Lions.