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The Top Five All-Time Penn State Running Backs

By Shane Lunnen

Apr 18, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of Beaver Stadium prior to the start of the Blue White spring game. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of Beaver Stadium prior to the start of the Blue White spring game. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Penn State Nittany Lions logo inside Beaver Stadium prior to the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; General view of the Penn State Nittany Lions logo inside Beaver Stadium prior to the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Lydell Mitchell

Lydell Mitchell was part of the greatest running back tandem in Penn State history, yet he is the one that makes the list instead of teammate, Franco Harris.

While Mitchell now sits at 8th on the school’s career rushing yards with 2,934 yards, his single season record for rushing yards he set in 1971 (1,567 yards) stood for 23 years.  He owns both the single season (26) and career (38) rushing touchdown records.

During his collegiate career from 1969-71, he helped Penn State amass a 29-4 record.

In his senior year, he earned first team All-American honors and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. He went on to have a solid career in the NFL.

Mitchell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Next: Number Three: John Cappelletti

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