Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton headline Penn State awards

Penn State head coach James Franklin made a point to highlight the stars in the Nittany Lions’ talented backfield. And he did so, often.

Kaytron Allen, a second-year back who’d earned in-house co-most valuable player honors for his performance as a true freshman during the 2022 season, was following it with another effort worthy of attention. And Nick Singleton, coming off a Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign in his debut, similarly had delivered for the program.

“I just want to make sure that our fans and everybody that follows Penn State closely knows how fortunate we are and how blessed we are to have Kaytron,” Franklin said in September. “In our locker room, we have a ton of respect for him, and so does our staff.

“We are blessed to be one of these programs that has two backs that are two of the better backs in all of college football. And we recognize that, and we’re appreciative of that.”

And, of Singleton later in the year, Franklin was similarly complimentary.

“There is a lot more to playing well than just the runs and just the stats. I think when we go back and grade Nick’s tape this year and compare it to last year, I think he’s going to grade out as well if not better in being a well-rounded football player,” Franklin said in November, highlighting Singleton’s blocking, pass catching, and more. “I think he’s improved as a football player. And I think down the road when these things are evaluated by the people that evaluate players nationally, I think this year is really setting him up for a ton of success in his future, not only at Penn State, but afterwards.”

Sunday afternoon, Penn State formalized that recognition again. As part of the Nittany Lions’ annual senior banquet, both Allen and Singleton were recognized again as co-MVPs of the offense.

Penn State hands out bevy of awards

Allen and Singleton weren’t alone in being recognized on the afternoon. Rather, the ceremony was filled with acknowledgments of the biggest contributions to the program.

Those honors included recognition for the six captains. They were Dominic DeLuca, Keaton Ellis, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Adisa Isaac, Theo Johnson, and Malick Meiga. Nick Dawkins was awarded for his public service and with the Letterman’s Club Scholarship.

Developmental recognition was bestowed upon linebacker Kaveion Keys, who earned nods as the D-squad special teams player of the year and defensive player of the year, shared with Jake Wilson. On offense, receiver Ethan Black and offensive lineman Addison Penn were honored. Run-ons Dominic Rulli and Kolin Dinkins were recognized as well for their contributions.

Individual unit awards went to Olu Fashanu on the offensive line. Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson were recognized on the defensive line. Linebacker Dominic DeLuca was recognized as the top special teams performer, while Isaac notched the MVP for defense. And, the team’s most valuable player went out to Fashanu and Robinson.

Special Penn State awards went out to Hunter Nourzad and Johnny Dixon for the Tim Shaw Thrive Award. Malick Meiga and Dvon Ellies won the Ridge Riley award for living their core values. Run-on receiver Jan Mahler finished with the team’s top cumulative GPA. Nourzad brought home the highest GPA among the seniors. Tight ends Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren each received recognition. Johnson for strength and conditioning and Warren, along with Daequan Hardy, as “ultimate teammates.”

Wrapping up

In addition, Curtis Jacobs, Theo Johnson, and Caedan Wallace were recognized as outstanding Penn State seniors. The Quarterback Club delivered recognition to Hakeem Beamon, Dante Cephas, Alex Felkins, Golden Israel-Achumba, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Trey Potts, Tank Smith, Mason Stahl, and Ibrahim Traore.

And, the team’s “Keystone Award” went to Abdul Carter, Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren, and Kevin Winston Jr.