Penn State's tradition for running back development led Alvin Henderson to Happy Valley

Elba (Ala.) four-star running back Alvin Henderson took an unofficial visit to Penn State on April 5. By this point, the Nittany Lions had become a team to watch in his recruitment. 

Henderson built strong connections with Penn State’s coaches, including head coach James Franklin and co-offensive coordinator/running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider. Those relationships played a key role in the 5-foot-9, 195-pound tailback committing to the Nittany Lions on Thursday. 

“My three reasons for choosing Penn State are its tradition for running back development that coach Seider and coach Franklin have built, the family feeling that I felt around the campus and the fans when I was there and the opportunities to go there and be successful,” Henderson told On3. 

Henderson believes he can be ‘a winner’ at Penn State

Being recruited hard by Franklin and his staff meant a lot to Henderson, who also considered Auburn, Florida State, Miami and Oregon. The Nittany Lions texting and calling him often made the No. 10 player in Alabama feel like a priority to the Big Ten program.

Earlier this year, Seider and another Penn State coach went to watch Henderson’s basketball game. His bond with the Penn State assistant is a key reason why the Nittany Lions are the “best fit” for his college football career. 

“During the relationship that I’ve had with coach Seider, he’s let me know what’s real and how I could come in and make an impact on the program,” said Henderson, the No. 110 overall prospect and No. 7 running back in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “The visit that I recently took to Penn State showed me how I could go there and I could be a winner.” 

Franklin and Penn State’s running backs made a big impression on Henderson

Penn State’s head man also made a significant impression on Henderson. The four-star found it “amazing to watch” Franklin interact with his players and recruit not only him, but also his family to State College. 

Three years ago, Franklin signed a 10-year contract extension that will keep him with the Nittany Lions until 2031. Having a deal that long makes Henderson feel good about Franklin’s future at Penn State. 

“He was telling me that if I go to Penn State, I will be there with him,” Henderson said. “He said that his contract is guaranteed and that he isn’t going anywhere.” 

Henderson also feels that he will be able to follow in the footsteps of current Penn State running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. He spoke with both players during his visit to the Nittany Lions’ campus earlier this month. 

“My mom and I talked to Nick for 30 minutes,” Henderson said. “He told me that I am in the same situation that he was in and I have an opportunity because he and Kaytron could potentially be first round draft picks. Once they leave, he said it’s going to be open for a dude to come in and take the spot and coach Seider can consider me to come take it. Once he told me that, that opened up my eyes.”