Top 5 Penn State players who could set off fireworks this fall with explosive plays
The Fourth of July is here, which means fireworks will be shooting out of canisters and towering over the Beaver Stadium video boards in just 60 days from now when Penn State opens its 2023 season opposite West Virginia in the debut game of NBC’s ‘Big Ten Saturday Night.’ Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and the Lions are expected to light up the scoreboard as a nearly three-touchdown favorite.
Speaking of fireworks and scoring (or keeping the other team from doing so), nothing causes the excitement of either quite like an explosive play. So, with that in mind, we’re picking the top five Lions who could cause eruptions this fall by making big them.
1. Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton
What happens when you combine strong vision, quick feet, and elite speed? Big runs that can lead to touchdowns, of course. And few ripped off longer runs a year ago than reigning Big Ten freshman of the year Nicholas Singleton. He was third in the country in 30-plus yard runs (nine) and 40-plus yard scampers (seven). He also tied for first with a pair of 70-plus-yard sprints. The now-sophomore’s longest carry of the year was an 87-yard scoring strike against Utah in the Rose Bowl. Remember that?
Singleton can change a game at a moment’s notice. There is nowhere else for this list to start.
2. Lions linebacker Abdul Carter
What makes ‘Zombie Nation’ roar over the Beaver Stadium loudspeakers? Scoring plays and turnovers, of course, and sometimes, just a game-changing sack. Sophomore linebacker Abdul Carter probably won’t help with the first one, but he will have every chance to make the latter two often happen this fall.
In his debut Penn State season, the Pa., native led the Lions with 6.5 sacks and also forced a pair of fumbles. There will be more of both this year, as Carter is touting his increased weight and speed this offseason, which should keep opposing offensive coordinators and their players up at night.
3. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar
Drew Allar, a former five-star, has not yet won the starting quarterback job at Penn State. But, he will soon enough. Expectations are already sky-high for the sophomore, even if he’s only tossed 60 passes at the college level. The Ohio native drew loud cheers every time he trotted onto the turf last fall, and the noise will be even louder if he guides the Lions to the heights he is expected to. Coordinator Mike Yurcich’s offense doesn’t need to live on chunk pass plays. But, it won’t turn them down, either, and if the Lions can rack them up, fireworks will be booming early and often in State College thanks to the arm of No. 15.
4. Lions cornerback Kalen King
A preseason All-American, according to a few publications (with more to come), junior Kalen King is ready to step into the leading role in the Penn State cornerbacks room that was vacated by Joey Porter Jr. He wants to be known as the best cornerback in the country. A repeat of his 18 pass breakup, three interception season in 2022 would help. But, exceeding that would further his cause, and the only thing keeping him from doing so would be quarterbacks avoiding his side of the field. Even if that happens, King is good enough to hit the highlight reel on ‘SportsCenter’ at least once a week.
5. Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Now the record holder for the longest reception in Rose Bowl history, junior KeAndre Lambert-Smith is expected to be the leading man in the Penn State receivers room in 2023. He’s always been fast — he said he ran a 4.29 40-yard-dash this offseason and is consistently in the low 4.3s — but consistency issues have plagued him. If those are behind him, and all signs indicate that is the case, then ‘KLS’ should shine this fall. He may even approach his career mark of nine touchdowns in just a single season if all goes as planned.
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