Penn State coach Ja'Juan Seider on freshmen backs, Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford's departure, more

Penn State has an improved rushing offense this season. It’s true that, statistically, the Lions are only middle of the pack in the Big Ten. But, with improved blocking, two fantastic freshmen running backs, a veteran who is doing good things when healthy, and a quarterback checking into the right reads at the right times more often than not, the ground game has taken a step forward.

Can it always run when it wants to? Maybe not, but few teams can. The key is, for the first time in two years, Penn State enforces its will more often than not when it needs a yard or two on the ground, which is a key sign of a step in the right direction.

“I think the biggest word has been growth throughout the program on offense,” running backs coach and co-offensive coordinator Ja’Juan Seider said Thursday. “We know for us to be a championship program, we got to get back to the roots around the football. And I think that’s been evident in the way we run the ball. From game one up until this point, I think there’s been improvement. Like I know game one, Purdue, we didn’t run for a lot yards, but we were efficient in that game in keeping our offense on track.

“We’ve got to be able run the ball efficiently, we have to create explosive plays, and then we get down to the goal line, we have to able to score with our run game. So, I think that’s what you want to see: Improvements. We’re back on task, and kind of close to where we were in ’19 and ’18. Being able to run the ball anytime we want to, not just when we need to, has been a big part of our improvement.”

Seider touched on numerous other Penn State topics during his ZOOM call. Read on to learn more.

On freshmen running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton

Seider has long been pounding the drum for both Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Most only focused on the latter during the spring and summer. But, both are having strong seasons to date, just as Seider predicted to anyone who would listen this summer. Singleton has typically been the first-teamer in recent weeks. But, Allen earned his first career start last week. Why was that the case?

“I basically look at those guys as co-starters,” Seider said. [Allen’s start] was just timing. I can’t say that and not do it. So it’s a situation where I want to get to the point where I really want to rotate. And that had nothing to do with Nick, because I actually think Nick’s starting to play really well the last few games you know. I know his stats don’t seem that way. But he has, and it was me just mixing it up.

“And it’ll be something I continue to do, because I think they both deserve to start. It’s like having a hot hand. You want to run with both of those kids because they both are playing well and they are both feed off each other.”

Seider went on to praise both players’ work ethic, drive, and determination. He feels like both are in great shape heading down the stretch run of the season. And, he shouted out Singleton for refining his game and quickly picking up finer points like schemes and blocking while noting no moment is too big for Allen and that he worked hard to reshape his body since arriving on campus. All of it has paid off in a big way.

How is Penn State back Keyvone Lee doing?

Penn State coach James Franklin revealed that veteran Keyvone Lee has been hurt for much of the last five games, which is why his playing time has either dwindled or been non-existent. He’s also lost out on snaps to the two aforementioned freshmen, though, even when healthy.

How is he handling it all?

“He’s done a good job of not letting it affect him in the meeting room, but it’s been frustrating on the kid,” Seider said. “He busted his tail from January to fall camp to be in the best shape he can be. He was down to 225 [pounds] and ran the high 4.4 [second 40-yard dash]. The kid was working hard, and it’s just part of this football game. It’s a violent sport, and you’re going to be nicked up. You’re going to have injuries you can recover from quicker. Some are going to linger. The thing about all these kids is keeping them positive. And I know it’s tougher now, because you got two freshmen having a lot of success. I don’t take that for granted.

“We’re in a world where, if things are not going right, it’s easy for kids to get a negative impact on the mind, when they start thinking different. His approach has still been good. He’s been around the building. He was close last week to playing. I probably could have put him in the game if I needed to. So it’s good to be getting him close to back and ready to go play.”

We’ll see if Lee suits up Saturday at Indiana.

More on Devyn Ford

James Franklin revealed on Oct. 1 that running back Devyn Ford was no longer with the Penn State football program. He has yet to reveal a reason for leaving. And, the Lions also have not disclosed one. But, Seider was asked to address the topic on Thursday.

“I mean, you really don’t like to talk about guys once they leave,” Seider said. “I try to move on and stay in the present. It’s like an injury. Once a guy’s going, you got to move on and adjust. Unfortunately, it happened. This is the nature of college football that we’re in. We created this monster , so we’re going to continue to see more of it. I wish Devyn well. I love the kid like my own son. We all were shocked when it happened. But, it is what it is, and I hope the kid has success.

“He’s going to have a Penn State degree. I appreciate four great years with the kid and him being an ultimate teammate. He was awesome for these young kids. I mean, his approach in the meeting room is as good as I’ve ever been around. So, I wish the kids success.”

Reading between the lines, it’s possible that Ford stepped away so that he wouldn’t lose a year of eligibility by playing in five games or more. But, it must be stressed that there is any number of reasons, which are likely never to be disclosed, for why he moved on mid-season.

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