Penn State Football: Noah Cain makes presence known quickly
It didn’t take long for Penn State football early enrollee Noah Cain to shine. The freshman running back put up an impressive spring game performance.
Another year and another top-ranked running back is showcasing his talents in the Penn State football backfield. This year, it’s freshman early enrollee Noah Cain who flashed his incredible ability in the Blue-White Spring Game.
The IMG Academy, four-star back compiled 12 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 13 yards and another touchdown, while playing for both teams in the scrimmage. The 5-foot-10, 209-pound freshman showed good power near the goal line on each of his scores, shaking grown men off him like they were junior high players. (Video Courtesy of Nittany Nation).
The touchdown catch was the best example of his power and balance. Cain caught a little flare route around the 10-yard, fought through two tackles and powered into the end zone.
He also showed an ability to make one cut and get up field quickly. Typically, bigger backs like him don’t move that quickly from the start of their runs but he had some nice bursts to fly into the open. He’s not likely to break loose and rush for an 80-plus yard TD purely on speed, but he’s got a tough running style all his own.
His pass-catching ability gives the offense options as well. The Nittany Lions can leave him in during different downs and distances instead of just short-yardage situations as well. Cain’s spring game offers up another back in what’s expected to be a dangerous and depth-loaded backfield.
Sophomores Ricky Slade and Journey Brown are expected to share the starting RB job heading into the season. They have shown game-breaking speed and continue to progress throughout the spring. With Cain’s breakout spring performance and smooth transition to the college game, this running game should give defenses trouble and keep them guessing as well.
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Entering the spring game, it seemed like the backfield already had more than enough talent. But after Cain’s performance this could be an exhilarating offense to watch in the fall.