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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

Penn State Football, Nick Singleton

Penn State’s 2027 Running Back Outlook: 5 Star Commit and More?

After an exciting weekend of 2026 Penn State Football recruiting, the focus now shifts to the class of 2027.

Yesterday, I wrote about the class of 2027 outlook at Quarterback. Today, we will focus on Running Back. Tommorow will be Wide Recievers and so on and so forth. With there being some downtime between now and the start of camp for Penn State, now seems like a good time to take a sneak peak at the young class of 2027. With one commitment already, here is how 2027 looks at Running Back.


Penn State Football
James Franklin and Penn State Football added an elite defender to the Nittany Lions’ 2026 recruiting class. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)

5-Star Talent Already in The Stable

Penn State Football’s biggest target at Running Back is already committed to the Nittany Lions. The McKeesport native, Kemon Spell is an ON3 Industry top 15 Running Back in the nation has been pledged to the Nittany Lions for about a year.

Spell is a special talent. Recently, he camped with Penn State and let’s just say, he ran a very impressive 40 yard dash time. The Pittsburgh native has tremendous speed and agility. He is truly an all around back. Kemon Spell is the type of prospect who seems likely to hold onto his spot as a future 5-star. The rankings did not overshoot his ranking. Spell is poised to remain one of, if not the top Running Back in the country.

Of course, when talking about the class of 2027, there is always some merited skepticism. Spell has heard from schools like Ohio State and Notre Dame, while remaining locked in on Penn State. I am working to find how much of a threat either school is to Penn State. Either way, Spell is pledged to be a Nittany Lion, and that is in Penn State’s best interest.


Penn State Football, Stan Drayton
Oct 5, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Temple Owls head coach Stan Drayton watches from the sideline as they take on the Connecticut Huskies at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Will The Class of 2027 Feature a Second Running Back?

With the Nittany Lions losing at least 2 Running Backs after the 2025 season, and only bringing in one in the class of 2026, you would think 2027 would be a surefire 2 Running Back class. That seems to be the case. However, the main priority is keeping Kemon Spell. If Penn State only brings in one Running Back in Kemon Spell, they will still be very happy.

So, with Spell on board, there are a few other prospects who could become the second Running Back in the class of 2027.

Elijah Kimble is a prep player who is garnering attention from the likes of Washington, Kansas, Tennessee, and others. A New York native and very solid prospect, Kimble could be a name worth monitoring.

Additionally, North Carolina Running Back, Amir Brown seems to be a notable prospect for the Nittany Lions. He has been up to Penn State twice and they appear to be heavily involved. Additionally, the in state Tar Heels seem to be recruiting him hard, as well as Notre Dame, and a few others. Amir Brown could emerge as Penn State’s second 2027 Running Back if things go right.

The final 2027 Running Back prospect on the radar right now is Isaiah Rogers. As a Massachusetts native, Rogers is well within Penn State’s traditional recruiting footprint. He recently took an unofficial visit to Penn State and appears to be a name worth monitoring as well.


Penn State Football
Appoquinimink defensive linemen Layton von Brandt (69) celebrate the upset during a regular season game between Appoquinimink and Middletown Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Cavalier Stadium, in Middletown, DE.

2027 Class Still Very Early In Progress

One thing that is important to remember is that the 2027 recruiting cycle is still in a very young stage.

The class of 2027 means that players are going to be playing in their junior seasons. That usually ends up playing a crucial role in how their recruitment goes. Good junior film? That sure helps. Bad film? Injury bug? Junior slump? That can hinder a recruits process.

With this in mind, it is important to remember that things are very fluid with the class of 2027. Players will drop off the Penn State Football recruiting board. Names will seemingly come out of nowhere and ascend the recruiting board. The point being, it is still very early in the recruiting process for the class of 2027.

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Ian Purdy
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