Andy Kotelnicki reveals how he has challenged Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen

Andy Kotelnicki is finding new ways to challenge Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen as the star running backs prepare for their junior seasons. The pair gives Penn State one of the most talented backfield tandems in the country after averaging 184.8 rushing yards per game in 2023.

Kotelnicki, the Nittany Lions offensive coordinator, spoke on the impact that Singleton and Allen’s work ethic has had on younger players such as Cam Wallace and true freshman Quinton Martin. Taking on that role as a leader is something both are getting used to in their third college seasons.

The coach is also asking both players to “diversify” their games to have an effect on multiple areas besides simply running the ball.

“In that room especially, you always want to feel like you have a group of guys that are able to perform at a high level,” Kotelnicki explained. “Those two names are very obvious. Going in, I’ll tell you Cam Wallace had a really good fall camp. Quinton Martin showed up in January and he has been really, really good. …So to see Nick and Fat, how they grow and how they’re still improving. Coach Seider just said the other day, it’s really good for the Quinton Martins and Cam Wallaces of the world to recognize that Nick Singleton as committed to everything as he is and Kaytron, they’re still getting better.

“They’re understanding and trying to diversify themselves. So you have a really competitive room, but to those two individually, my challenge has been ‘let’s diversify ourselves.’ Let’s figure out ways you can touch the ball without just having to take a handoff. I think they’ve done a really good job of that embracing the mental side of things and the technique side of things that needs to occur.”

Singleton was already heavily involved in the passing game last season to finish as Penn State’s fourth-leading receiver with 26 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Allen also had 14 catches for 81 yards.

Only the Ohio State duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins should rival the Nittany Lions backfield among Big Ten teams. That provides hope that Penn State can finally break through into the College Football Playoff, which expands to 12 teams this season.

Coming off of back-to-back double-digit win seasons, the Nittany Lions are hopeful for a breakthrough with Singleton and Allen leading the way. They kick off the season on Aug. 31 against West Virginia.