Penn State Football

ESPN Bullish on Pair of Penn State Football Stars in 2024

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ESPN released its top 100 players in college football, with two key players for Penn State Football making the list.

Edge rusher Abdul Carter ranked No. 20, while running back Kaytron Allen came in at No. 69.

Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, and wide receiver Luther Burden III, who rounded out the top five. LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, running back Ollie Gordon II, Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., and Georgia safety Malaki Starks completed the top ten.

What to expect from Penn State Football’s Two Representatives on the List

Penn State Football, Abdul Carter
Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

Abdul Carter

Last season, Carter played linebacker and recorded 48 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. In 2022, he became the first Penn State linebacker since 2007 to finish with at least six sacks and ten tackles for loss in a season. Carter had a 24.4% pressure rate on 90 pass rush attempts last year. With his move to defensive end, Carter’s sack numbers are expected to increase.

The Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, plans to unleash Carter in his 4-2-5 system.

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Kaytron Allen

Kaytron Allen, Penn State Football
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) smiles after scoring his first touchdown of the season, a 4-yard scamper, during the first half of a NCAA football game against Delaware Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa.

Last year, Allen rushed for 902 yards on 172 carries, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and has shown consistent production in his first two college seasons.

Despite sharing the backfield with Nick Singleton, Allen could be the stronger NFL Draft prospect. The Nittany Lions have a new offensive coordinator, Andy Kotelnicki, who may expand Allen’s role as a pass catcher. Last season, Allen caught 14 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Both Carter and Allen are expected to have standout seasons for Penn State, a critical factor if the Nittany Lions hope to reach the College Football Playoff.

MORE: Ranking Penn State’s Games from Easiest to Hardest in 2024

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Lamarr Fields
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