Penn State Football Spring Storyline: How Big Will Miles Sanders’ Role Be?
How big of a role will backup running back Miles Sanders play in 2017?
As the spring practice session begins for Penn State there are several questions and storylines surrounding the 2017 Nittany Lions. One of those questions is the role of backup running back Miles Sanders. The talented running back didn’t find himself highly involved in the rushing attack last year, but will that change in 2017?
Sanders entered Happy Valley as one of the highest-rated recruits in a number of years. He was the best running back available brought a very high ceiling with him to Penn State.
Head coach James Franklin opted not to give Sanders a red shirt last season. The young running back had too much talent and potential to sit out for a year. However, due to having arguably the best running back in the country already on the roster, Franklin had to find other ways to get Sanders involved.
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That role came mainly on special teams, as Sanders led the team with 33 returns for 688 yards. He definitely showed some spark, but also dealt with some mistakes in the form of muffed returns.
On offense, Sanders served as a backup running back to Barkley. He received just 25 carries on the season and ended with 184 yards and a touchdown. He also added a 21-yard touchdown reception in the Purdue game.
Penn State comes into the new season with the luxury of having both Sanders and Barkley on the same depth chart once again.
With Barkley expected to once again be one of the top backs in the nation, and likely playing in his final season with the Nittany Lions, he will be the main focal point of the rushing attack. However, Sanders will certainly have a role.
It’s still unclear how much Sanders will be used on offense this year. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead will likely try to find ways to get both talented backs in the backfield at the same time. The duo of Barkley and Sanders could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Regardless of how Sanders is used on offense, he should once again find himself playing a big part in the kick return game.
Next: Penn State Football: James Franklin Talks Spring Practice
It will be interesting to keep tabs on Sanders as the spring progresses. Though no major decisions on his role will likely be made in the next few weeks, keep an eye to see how he’s being used throughout the spring practice session.