Two young Penn State running backs and a linebacker are standing out to teammates this spring; here's why
Penn State football is nearing the end of its second competition period of the year ahead of the 2024 season. The first came during winter workouts, when numerous Nittany Lions, returners and newcomers alike, stood out to their teammates and coaches thanks to their endless drive during conditioning drills inside of Holuba Hall. The second is ongoing now, as spring practice started back in mid-March and continues through the Blue-White game on April 13. Over the course of 15 days of drills, an initial depth chart pecking order is set while the foundation for the third competition period, summer workouts, is laid ahead of preseason camp. There are standouts at each positon group and also every level of the positional grid.
Here’s a closer look at three Nittany Lions who have caught their teammates’ eyes so far.
Young running backs are getting it done in the meeting room and on the field
It is no secret that the Penn State running backs room runs through third-year Nittany Lions Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The duo will see the majority of the work out of the backfield this fall. But, there are reps available at the No. 3 spot with Trey Potts now chasing his NFL dream. An early leader in the clubhouse for that role is Cam Wallace. The 5-foot-9, 199-pound Mount Vernon, Ga., native did not receive a carry during his redshirt freshman season. But, from the sounds of it, that is about to change in a big way during his second year on campus.
“Cam’s doing really good in the weight room, on the field too,” Singleton said on Thursday. “Even in the meeting rooms, he’s always asking questions, always writing notes down, and it just translates to the field. He’s been really good so far. He’s just got to keep working. But, he’s been good.”
Linebacker Dom DeLuca, who has obviously been tasked at times with trying to tackle Wallace, has taken notice of No. 26’s progression, too.
“Cam Wallace is running hard and he’s running with some anger,” DeLuca said. “I love the way he’s playing right now in this spring, and he’shungry. And, it’s very noticeable. Everyone’s noticing it. He’s hitting the whole hard. He’s making plays. And it’s not just on offense. He’s making plays on special teams too.”
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Another young running back, freshman Quinton Martin, is also making strides during his first spring practice. Where he could fit into the mix this fall remains to be seen. But, he’s made a strong initial impression.
“Quinton’s been really good,” Singleton said. “Coming in as a freshman early is really important to just learn the offense early in the spring, then go into camp to compete. He’s been really good. Like Cam Wallace, he’s been taking notes, asking questions. He’s been really good.”
Is a second-year Penn State linebacker ready for a bigger role?
Ta’Mere Robinson missed a good chunk of the end of his high school career due to injury. But he got back into the swing of things at Penn State and saw a little bit of playing time during year one. Like Wallace, he may not ascend into an enormous role this fall. But by putting in the work this spring, he’s set the stage for a bigger role in 2024.
“Ta’Mere’s been really good,” Singleton said. “He’s competing with everybody, man. He’s making plays. You know, during the meeting room, Coach Franklin always puts him on the board, how fast he’s playing. He shows highlights of him, just always runs to the ball, making good tackles.”
Added DeLuca:
“[Redshirt freshman] Ta’Mere Robinson has been having a great spring so far,” DeLuca said. “He’s excited to learn and he’s hungry, he’s fast, and he’s good. He’s learned this defense very well. And, he’s excited to play, and it’s very noticeable.”
Robinson is fighting with DeLuca, Tyler Elsdon, Kobe King, and others for playing time. How much he’ll earn remains to be seen. But, through nine Penn State spring practices, it’s clear he’s on a path to earning more than last year as a redshirt sophomore.
