Penn State running backs room working through intriguing preseason dynamic
Regarding his top two running backs, Penn State assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider doesn’t mince words. Asserting that the Nittany Lions have two “NFL backs,” and pretending otherwise would be dishonest, his attention quickly turns to what’s next.
And, in similarly confident fashion, Seider says that’s competition.
Welcoming Trey Potts, a fifth-year transfer from Minnesota, and a pair of true freshmen, Cam Wallace and London Montgomery, into the running backs room this offseason, the assumption has pointed to Potts as the likely third behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Meeting with reporters on Monday evening as the Nittany Lions wrap up their second full week of preseason practices, Seider corrected that narrative.
Arriving at Penn State with the right mindset, Wallace and Montgomery have firmly inserted themselves into that narrative.
“I think in their mind, they’re all competing for that third spot,” Seider said. “Everybody can see who the top two guys are. So we had a meeting with the guys and try to figure out where they’re at, what they see. And they both said, ‘Hey, I’m competing for number three.’
“So I love it. I don’t want a guy to take a backseat to anybody. I tell all the freshmen, ‘Your job is to replace them. Don’t take a backseat to anybody. Don’t just concede that Nick and Kaytron are the guys. They didn’t do it last year when they came in. So why can’t it be you if you’re good enough?’ And I think having that example for those kids kind of entices them and excites them to say, ‘Hey, I can go do that, too.’”
Penn State freshmen make a mark
Upon enrolling at Penn State this summer, that sentiment immediately took hold for Wallace. Though ranked No. 1,000 nationally in the Class of 2023 according to the On3 Industry Rankings, with a three-star rating, the 5-foot-9 tailback made an impression anyway.
Strength coach Chuck Losey told reporters in June that Wallace is a worker, with a great work ethic and the respect that comes with it, thanks in large part to his tempo and how he conducts his workouts. Two months later, Wallace is above his listed 184 pounds, checking in now at 190.
Montgomery, meanwhile, committed to Penn State as the more heralded of the pair. He also held three-star status but was considered the No. 36 running back in the country and Pennsylvania’s No. 9 ranked player overall.
In his first work in front of Penn State fans on Saturday night, Montgomery stepped in for extensive work in the program’s public practice. He ripped off a handful of nice carries and similarly made an impression.
Early feedback
But, most importantly, Montgomery also demonstrated the characteristic that has come to define both players in their limited time with the Nittany Lions.
“They’re tough. People throw that word around a lot, but for me to see two young guys who are not the stature of the other two, to throw their weight around and not afraid to stick it up in there,” Seider said. “You always worry about that early, of when is the light gonna go off to say, ‘Okay, I can play on this level?’
“I never had to question that when they run the ball. So in that regard, they’re ahead of the curve to me, especially kids who weren’t here in the spring. (They do) a great job of understanding the offense. We got to work like all young kids on protection and learn how to strike. But, I’m really pleased where the kids are at, both of them.”
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