Penn State Football 2019 Breakout Candidate: RB Ricky Slade

Sophomore primed to take the lead in the Penn State backfield

Penn State will enter the 2019 season again with some high expectations, particularly since several talented players will be returning on offense. True sophomore Ricky Slade saw some early time as a freshman last year, but is in a perfect position to play a big key in the Penn State offense this coming season.

When Slade came to Penn State as a member of the class of 2018, it was expected that he would be a key starter for the Nittany Lions in a few years. Penn State entered last season with a crowded depth chart at running back, so Slade could be eased into his role.

However, the time for Slade to be an integral part of the offense will now come a year earlier than expected.

Miles Sanders took over starting duties this last season after Saquon Barkley left early for the NFL. Sanders enjoyed a solid season, rushing for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns. Sanders was expected to lead the running game once again in 2019, but he decided to leave school early and declare for the NFL Draft.

Enter Slade.

A five-star recruit, and the top running back and the top recruit from Virginia according to 247Sports, Slade certainly entered Penn State with the potential to be great. He was one of the top overall players in the country and played in the Polynesian Bowl and the Under Armor All-America Game. He had a long list of schools interested, as Clemson, Florida, Ohio State, and West Virginia all made offers to him.

Slade wasn’t redshirted when he came to Happy Valley, so he was given the opportunity to play right away. He saw time in a backup role, but scored in the first game of the 2018 season against Appalachian State.

The talented runner showed flashes of greatness when given a chance, but he also appeared not quite polished at times. Overall, he had a decent first season for the Nittany Lions, rushing the ball 45 times for 257 yards and six touchdowns.

With Sanders gone, 2019 will belong to Slade. The Nittany Lions will return an experienced offensive line, as well as several weapons in the passing game. That combination should play a role in helping Slade to be successful.

There could still be some bumps along the way, but Slade has a golden opportunity to quickly make himself a household name across the country for the 2019 college football season.