Remembering Penn State’s Top Recruits Over the Last 10 Years

2016- RB Miles Sanders

In 2016, Penn State head coach James Franklin was able to land one of the highest-rated recruits in program history. Running back Miles Sanders was rated as a five-star recruit and came in at No. 20 in the nation. He was the top running back available in the class and the top recruit in Pennsylvania.

Despite having Saquon Barkley in the backfield, Sanders wasn’t given a red shirt. Franklin ultimately decided that Sanders was too talented not to use.

Sanders found a home on special teams, being used as the main kick returner during the 2016 season. He led the team with 33 returns for 688 yards. Although limited, he did see time in the backfield, carrying the ball 25 times for 184 yards and a touchdown.

With Sanders on the roster, Penn State has the luxury of being loaded at the running back position with some very talented players.

It’s still early in his career, but so far, Sanders has been a very valuable pickup for the Nittany Lions.