Penn State Enters Season With a Loaded Backfield

Penn State’s potent offense has the benefit of a loaded backfield for the 2017 season.

The Penn State Nittany Lions transformed into a very dangerous offense last year under offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead. The passing game took a huge step forward led by quarterback Trace McSorley and a talented group of receivers. The run game played a bit of a second fiddle to the passing attack. However, while the rushing numbers were not spectacular, the Nittany Lions feature a very talented group of running backs.

All four running backs from last season will be back in 2017, giving Penn State a wealth of experience.

Of course, when talking about the Penn State running backs, Saquon Barkley gets all of the attention. The junior is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,496 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016. Barkley enters the new season as one of the top backs in the country and should be near the top of the preseason list for several awards.

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Aside from just Barkley, the Nittany Lions are fortunate enough to have three other backs that defenses have to plan for.

Andre Robinson appeared in 12 games last year, but received just 29 carries. He put up just 141 yards, but made the most of his opportunities, particularly on the goal line, as he scored five rushing touchdowns.

Robinson brought a lot of potential with him out of high school after breaking records at Bishop McDevitt and was a four-star recruit according to 247Sports. Robinson has a different style than Barkley and should see more touches this year as a great compliment to Barkley.

Sophomore Miles Sanders will also be back in the mix for 2017. Sanders, a five-star recruit and the top running back recruit in 2016, gained valuable experience last season. He appeared in 13 games, primarily as the main kick returner. He did have some opportunities to get into the backfield and scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown.

Sanders has a ton of talent and should form a very dangerous combination with Barkley this season.

Also in the mix is Mark Allen, who tied Robinson with 29 carries last year. He rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown. Allen adds valuable depth to the backfield and rounds out what could be one of the most talented groups in the nation.

Next: Three Penn State Recruits Who Could Play as True Freshmen in 2017

While the Penn State passing attack gets all of the attention, the rushing attack has the potential to be very dangerous. With four talented backs, including one of the best in the country, the Nittany Lions enter 2017 with a loaded backfield.

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