Penn State football: Ricky Slade considered X-Factor for Lions
Penn State football running back Ricky Slade could be a factor that helps make or break the Nittany Lions in 2019.
The moment we’ve all been waiting patiently for is almost here. In just a couple of weeks, the Penn State football program will be kicking off (or receiving) against Idaho to get started on the much anticipated 2019 NCAA football season. As exciting as it is to see the Lions back in action soon, the thought of this upcoming season could be nerve-wracking for some as well.
As we know, the Lions are headed into a crucial season, where there are tons of question marks. Particularly, there are question marks at some of the most important positions at football. Being that Trace McSorley is no longer a part of the program, Penn State is looking to find their next passer for the next few years in either Sean Clifford or Will Levis.
While we know just how important quarterback play will be in 2019 — it won’t be the only position on the offense that’s unknown and could be what’s considered to be the ‘X-Factor’ for the Lions. According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Shepard, Sophomore running back Ricky Slade could make all of the difference for the Lions in 2019.
Seeing Slade as the ‘X-Factor’
Running backs have been major for Penn State over the last few years. As we know, the Lions got three incredible years out of the ‘generational talent’ that is Saquon Barkley. As he left off to become a second-overall pick in the NFL Draft though, the Lions looked to their five-star prospect Miles Sanders to take over on his own. Sanders did a job well done, but he’s gone now too.
So with Barkley and Sanders out, Ricky Slade becomes the next running back who has some giant shoes to fill. “Noah Cain and redshirt sophomore Journey Brown can solidify the depth of the backfield, but the Nittany Lions are only going to go as far as Ricky Slade takes them,” Shepard writes. “He has the ability to transform Penn State’s offense with his speed.”
Next. Sanders, Miller put on for Penn State during second week. dark
While Slade will likely lead the Lions in carries this year, it sounds like James Franklin and staff plan to utilize all of their talents on board to create a committee-like situation. That should benefit the Lions by getting different skillsets on the field and also keeping guys fresh. All in all, though, Slade will be the RB1 in the situation, and could truly make a difference for the Lions offense. Just as Sanders and Barkley did in the previous few seasons.