10 greatest running backs in Penn State football history

Penn State has a remarkable history of dominant running backs, but these 10 stood out amongst the rest in program history. With D.J. Dozier and Ki-Jana Carter on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot, where do those legends rank?

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

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John Cappelletti. John Cappelletti. player. 491. 1972-73. . John Cappelletti. 2. .

Throughout its illustrious history, Penn State has had just one Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappelletti in 1973. That season, Cappelletti ran for 1,522 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the Nittany Lions to a 12-0 record and Orange Bowl victory in Joe Paterno’s eighth season. Despite going undefeated, Penn State finished fifth in the AP Poll.

Cappelletti played just two years of offense for the Nittany Lions after beginning his career playing defensive back in 1970-71. He immediately found a home in the backfield, rushing for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior in 1972. Had he played on the offensive side for his entire career, Cappelletti may have even claimed the No. 1 spot on this list, ahead of Saquon Barkley.

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