Kaytron Allen finds improvement through defensive emphasis

Kaytron Allen entered Penn State football’s spring practices with a specific set of goals in mind. He left it having felt as though he’d taken strides toward achieving them.

A second-year running back with the Nittany Lions, working through his second spring practices, Allen said he wanted to learn. And, having been through more than a year of experiences at Penn State, that mission was particularly possible. 

“I wanted to lock in on the details. Keep getting better in every aspect of my game,” Allen said. “I think every aspect of my game can get better, keep improving. I’m trying to get better at learning and focusing on the details.”

Offseason outlook

Specifically for Allen, that has included a changed dynamic from last season. Rather than working to understand every facet of his roles and responsibilities in the backfield, the running back has instead been able to turn his attention to the external.

Coming out of a debut season with the Nittany Lions in which he picked up 867 yards and 10 touchdowns on 167 carries over 13 games, Allen said he’s worked to have a better knowledge of how opponents are defending from all areas of the field.

“Just knowing what’s coming, what blitz is coming, what the coverage they’re running, and where the open hole is going to be,” Allen said. “It’s just trying to learn where the extra guy is and stuff.

“It’s a lot different because you’re going to make mistakes here and there (your first season). So it’s just trying to learn, focus on the details, and learn the coverages.”

Point of emphasis

Running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider has been instrumental in that process. This spring, he acknowledged the inherent difficulties of backing up an outstanding true freshman season. But, through the consistency of what Allen and Nick Singleton have delivered in their efforts both on and off the field, the fears of pitfalls have been reduced ahead of the 2023 season.

“If you watch the way they work, it hasn’t changed. Matter of fact, it’s elevated,” Seider said earlier this month. “We’re not stopping learning. We’re still growing. And we haven’t arrived. 

“Nick is still learning the game. Kaytron is still learning the game. They haven’t felt like they mastered it yet. When they master it, they gonna probably be in the NFL. And even then, I don’t think you master it. I’ve been coaching for 20-some years and I haven’t mastered his game yet. So the process of growth for all of us got to continue.”

Breaking out alongside Singleton last season, Allen hasn’t been alone in the pursuit of those goals this spring. 

Crediting each other as de facto motivational partners, Allen said that constantly being around each other, working to improve individually but with an eye on each other, has helped lead to the development of both.

“Having him back there makes me want to keep working to get better. When he breaks a run, that’s what I want to do. I want to break a run, too,” Allen said. “It’s just trying to match each other’s energy, but doing it on the good side. That’s my dog and we’re trying to get each other better.”

Next steps for Kaytron Allen

Seeing the dividends of that competition early and often in his career at Penn State, the next steps for Allen are clear. 

He wants, and expects, to maintain the upward trajectory that marked his first season in the program. And, with a foundation of experiences both positive and negative from which to learn, that goal is distinctly possible and within reach.

“I think I can be way better,” Allen said. “Now I know what to expect, so I feel like I’m going to be way better and it’s going to be a great season.”