Miles Sanders set to become next Penn State football star in NFL
Former Penn State football running back Miles Sanders continues to garner massive praise ahead of his NFL debut.
Around this time last year, Penn State football fans were excited for the New York Giants. As they possessed the second-overall pick in 2018 NFL Draft, the Giants took a shot on a Nittany Lions’ legend, Saquon Barkley. To no surprise, Barkley quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL after one season.
This year, another Penn State running back landed on an NFL roster by way of the draft. Miles Sanders might not have been a second-overall pick, but the second-rounder is definitely assumed to have a significant role during his first season in the NFL. Something that didn’t happen in college.
Sanders’ stint at Penn State began with him taking a backseat to Saquon Barkley. However, his first season in the NFL may not have the same results. Landing with the Philadelphia Eagles meant Sanders would be involved in a committee, sharing carries with others.
Right now, the former Penn State running back is listed as second on the depth chart, but his teammates, media members, and even his head coach know that Sanders is going to be much more than just a second-string running back waiting his turn in 2019.
The word from the Eagles
Recently, The Athletic’s Bo Wulf conducted a survey within the Eagles locker room. He went around to 35 players and asked which Eagles player is going to have a big season. Multiple names came out of it — but none more than the rookie, Miles Sanders.
One of the most respected players within the Eagles locker room, DeSean Jackson didn’t hesitate when he was asked the question. The immediate answer became Miles Sanders, as he explained that no defense is prepared for what the young running back is going to bring.
Two Eagles defensive captains doubled-down on what Jackson said. “Miles Sanders, because I just love that he got this chip on his shoulder to prove his worth early,” Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham stated. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox concurs as he picked Sanders as well.
The coach’s plans
Right now, the Eagles have four running backs on board. Three out of the four have some significant NFL experience. However, Sanders, who has zero, could very well end the season with the most amount of work when it is all said and done in 2019.
Before, it was assumed the former Penn State running back would be eased into a role. Now, it sounds like the Eagles are ready to get Sanders rolling as quickly as possible. During a press conference on Wednesday, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson announced his plans.
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When asked about two Eagles rookies, specifically Miles Sanders, Pederson responded with, “I don’t think you hold back, you plug them in, and you go.” Further revealing that Sanders’ NFL debut this Sunday might be a lot more exciting than initially expected.
If everything goes well early on, there shouldn’t be any reason why the Eagles won’t utilize the former Penn State running back to the fullest. After all, Sanders did leave the NCAA fairly early. Therefore, the Eagles new back has plenty of tread left on him for the pros.