Penn State running backs benefit from practice approach
Committed to professional development accompanying that expected of his players, Penn State head coach James Franklin introduced a wrinkle into the Nittany Lions’ preseason camp plan this month. Determined to maximize the opportunities for growth within the depth he’s hailed so frequently this offseason, Franklin announced a new terminology last Thursday.
“We’re two-spotting right now,” Franklin said. “That was the plan going into camp. So, we have two team periods going on at the same time. Either ones and twos and threes and fours on a different field. So the amount of reps hasn’t improved for the ones. But, the amount of reps for the twos and threes has gone up dramatically in terms of getting those guys prepared. So I think there’s been a ton of value in it.
“I didn’t know how long we’d be able to do it. I thought you’d start out doing it and then you’d get a couple of bumps and bruises. You’d have to get away from it. We’re still doing it. And I think it’s been really valuable for the development of our younger players.”
Running backs benefit
In Penn State’s running backs room, the sentiment has been especially true this preseason. And, it has taken on significance beyond the obvious.
Meeting with reporters last Monday evening, assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider explained the progression that he’s seen out of his true freshman additions, Cam Wallace and London Montgomery. Describing both players as “tough” and competitive, pushing Trey Potts for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, a second benefit has emerged.
With Nick Singleton returning from his Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign, and Kaytron Allen similarly back from a sterling debut season, Penn State has actively worked to manage the talented duo’s workload. They’ve benefited as a result.
“We’ve been able to do a good job of splitting practice, two-spotting practice. So, we get not only the veteran guys reps but also get a bunch of reps to the young guys. Reps that they normally wouldn’t get because you only got so many in the rack,” Seider said. “So, that’s been able to speed the process up and learning and also put the older guys in a position where they can get their reps and step back and see it and also coach.
“It’s a great experience when you can coach a young guy on what they’re doing right and wrong because now you see the mistakes you made along the way. So, that’s been really cool to see.”
Next steps for Penn State
Working this offseason to prepare the room from top to bottom, it’s an approach that has already paid dividends for the Nittany Lion running backs and beyond as the preseason has continued along.
“I thought we’d only be able to do that for about a week. We’re still doing it. It’s been huge,” Franklin said. “The thing that’s been dramatic, is we went back and studied the numbers. Our threes and fours I think have already doubled the reps that they got all last camp.
“So, that’s been valuable from the development of our entire roster. And you just don’t know how long you’re gonna be able to sustain it. We’ve been able to sustain and it’s gone well.”
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