Penn State football: 9 most important players to making CFP

Dec 28, 2019; Arlington, Texas, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) and quarterback Sean Clifford (14) after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Memphis Tigers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

RB Noah Cain

Cain was well on his way to being the focal point of the Nittany Lions’ ground attack last season, before a lower body injury suffered against Michigan State kept him out the final four games of last season, before he rushed for 92 yards and two scores in his return at the Cotton Bowl.

This season, there’s a chance Cain will take on an expanded role.

Penn State might not have the deep-threat at wide receiver the offense has grown accustomed to, but a return to committing to an explosive running game might be just what the doctor ordered with a backfield this talented.

Cain averaged 5.3 yards per carry as a true freshman and scored eight touchdowns in nine games, and if he stays healthy as a sophomore, just might be the most important non-quarterback to the Nittany Lions’ offense.

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