Devy Diamonds: Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Kaytron Allen was a 4-star prospect out of IMG Academy from Bradenton, Florida. Allen had official visits with Penn State, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan State prior to his commitment decision. He committed to Penn State in July of 2021.
The Penn State running back duo put the nation on notice during Allen’s freshman season. Largely because Allen ran for 867 yards averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He also made an impact in the passing game having 20 receptions for 188 yards.
During his sophomore season he took a step forward becoming the lead back of the duo. He maintained his yards per carry of 5.2 but with 35 more yards than his freshman season. Allen did see a slight digression in receptions catching only 14 passes for 81 yards.
2024 Outlook: What to Expect
Allen could be in for a breakout season in 2024, even as he shares the backfield with Nicholas Singleton and freshman standout Quinton Martin. He has delivered with a powerful running style complemented by excellent vision with the ability to break tackles. With Penn State’s commitment to a pound the rock, Allen is expected to continue to see a hefty workload, allowing him to fully showcase his talents. The presence of Singleton and Martin will keep defenses on their toes. This can potentially open up more opportunities for Allen to exploit gaps and generate significant yardage.
The coaching staff will rotate between the backs to keep them fresh and effective. Allen’s role may evolve into that of a versatile weapon capable of contributing in various situations. He has shown that he can catch passes out of the backfield adding another dimension to his game. Once he is able to elevate his pass catching abilities he will become a true dual-threat running back. If he can build on previous performances and stay healthy, Allen could once again emerge as the lead back for the Nittany Lions. His balanced approach will benefit Penn State’s offense by keeping it unpredictable with his dynamic abilities along with Singleton’s rushing.
Strengths:
- Powerful running style. Often breaks through tackles and gains yards after contact. His strength makes him a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
- Vision. Excellent vision that allows him to exploit gaps on defense.
- Patience. He waits for blocks to develop making the most out of each run.
- Pass protection. Proficient in pass protection showing ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback.
- Balance and agility. He navigates through traffic making sharp cuts to avoid tackles and extend plays.
Areas of Improvement
- Top-End Speed. While Allen has good burst and acceleration, he lacks elite top-end speed. This can limit his ability to break away from defenders on long runs and may reduce his effectiveness on outside runs compared to faster backs.
- Durability. Given his powerful running style, there is risk of injury due to the physical toll it takes on his body.
- Consistency in Receiving. Although he is a capable receiver, there are times when his concentration lapses. This leads to drops or missed opportunities in the passing game.
- Lateral quickness. Enhancing this aspect of his game will help him become more elusive and increase effectiveness in making defenders miss in open space.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: Day 3 Pick
Personal Projected Draft Capital: Day 2 Pick
Ideal Landing Spot: Detroit Lions
Once a lion always a lion. Allen’s transition to the NFL, even within a committee-style backfield, offers considerable upside due to his versatile skill set and proven productivity. His ability to effectively run between the tackles makes him a reliable option for grinding out tough yards. The Lions do have a star as their lead back in Jahmyr Gibbs, however, Allen does not need the full workload to find success. If he were to partner with Gibbs it would create a remarkable one-two punch. Allen can adapt to different game situations. The team can put him in on early downs, third-down scenarios, or goal-line scenarios. His versatility is meant to compliment the others in the running back room with him. Allen would become a valuable asset who can maximize his touches and deliver consistent, impactful performances. Even as an RB2 of a team, Allen offers significant fantasy football potential as a dependable contributor across various formats.
Fantasy Impact
Allen will continue to share the backfield with Singleton and possibly the freshman Martin. That should not scare you away from acquiring him for your college fantasy football teams. He should continue to see a good amount of work while maintaining above a 4.5 yards per carry. In the Penn State offense he will get many opportunities to accumulate fantasy production. Plus, with his drive to consistently improve this upcoming season could be his best yet. He may see an uptick in touches, particularly in crucial situations like third downs and red-zone scenarios. This balance and high-volume usage makes him a reliable option for college fantasy football managers looking for steady and high-ceiling production week in and week out.
Transitioning to the NFL, Allen’s fantasy football prospects remain bright, even if he lands in a committee backfield. His well-rounded skill set makes him an attractive draft prospect and a versatile player capable of contributing immediately. In the NFL, Allen’s ability to perform in both rushing and receiving roles will enable him to carve out a significant share of touches, even in a crowded backfield. His effectiveness in short-yardage and goal-line situations enhances his touchdown potential. He will like be a low-end RB2 to start his career. On the bright side, with his work ethic he has RB1 upside in the right scheme. Allen is a smart investment for any dynasty manager, and will be a reliable option in all formats once he establishes his role in the NFL.
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