Penn State teammates among running backs hoping to impress NFL teams at Senior Bowl

"You've got to just take advantage of every rep. Treat every rep like gold"

Jan 28, 2026 at 09:32 PM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

Mobile, Ala. – Even while Kaytron Allen was registering back-to-back, 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Penn State, he spent a good portion of his time there sharing the workload and spotlight with Nick Singleton.

In fact, this week the teammates still are palling around — both are in Mobile, Ala., to play in the Panini Senior Bowl as members of the National team.

But there's a seriousness and separation that accompanies this NFL job interview process for the backs, who are a couple of the best-known prospects expected to play in Saturday's game at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

"I want to show that I'm versatile," Allen said. "I can run routes and also run the ball. I can do everything, I can be an every-down back. And just compete. I'm a competitor."

Much of that was on display at Penn State for the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder. In 2025, he ran for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns on 210 carries and in '24, he totaled 1,108 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries.

At the same time, Singleton totaled 1,648 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 295 carries. Overall, he posted two 1,000-yard seasons in four years at Penn State and rolled up 45 rushing touchdowns, and 54 touchdowns overall.

Allen's desire to display versatility stems from low receiving production the last two seasons — 221 yards and two touchdowns on 36 catches — which enhances the importance of Senior Bowl practices.

"You've got to just take advantage of every rep. Treat every rep like gold," said Allen, who was clocked at 18.61 mph on Tuesday — among the five fastest times recorded by a running back in practice. "That's kind of what I did this year during the season, so here I'm just trying to get better, treat everything like gold. One rep at a time. Breathe."

The Saints could be in the market for a running back.

Alvin Kamara, the franchise all-time leader in rushing yards (7,250), rushing touchdowns (61), yards from scrimmage (12,198) and total touchdowns (87), missed six games last season — nine over the past two years — and will turn 31 years old in July. Kendre Miller, a third-round pick in 2023, has played 21 of a possible 51 regular-season games since he was drafted. Devin Neal, a fourth-round pick last year whose role increased as injuries mounted, missed the last three games with an injury.

Saints coach Kellen Moore understands the importance of the position. He was the offensive coordinator with the Super-Bowl winning Eagles in 2024, when running back Saquon Barkley — who played at Penn State — led the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries, and caught 33 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Barkley was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the position regained some of the prestige that had waned.

"Saquon, I'm glad he did that," Allen said. "Without him, it wouldn't have come back and be as viable as it is so I appreciate him for that. We just try to go out here and put it on the field, show that we're one of the most important position groups."

And it's an important week to show it.

"With every chance you get, you've got to take advantage of it," Singleton said. "I feel like I'm doing that so far, and all the other running backs are doing that, too.

"I'm a complete back, I'm a team player. You pick me, I'm going to come in and help change the program."

Even though the competition is different with Allen, the brotherhood is unchanged.

"It's good to have him out there one more time," Singleton said. "That's my brother. We've always competed at the same time and we're doing the same thing, just checking on each other and making sure we're good."

Photos: 2026 Senior Bowl | Practice Day 2

Check out photos from Day 2 of practices at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, featuring top NFL Draft prospects. Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach Joel Thomas, Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien, Linebackers Coach Peter Sirmon, Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Wilber, Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Robert Blanton, and Assistant to the Head Coach Mike Martinez continue working with players.