Penn State's newest running back, James Peoples, is turning heads during Penn State's Training Camp.
One of the newest members of the Penn State Nittany Lions offense is turning heads during Penn State's Training Camp.
James Peoples is the transfer running back from Ohio State, as he jumped ship in Columbus after the running back room got very crowded over the past couple of years.
This wasn't a situation where Peoples never played or was overlooked; it was more a situation where Peoples was overtaken by two freshmen who were paid a lot of money to come to Columbus. He was always going to play, but he was never going to start for the Buckeyes at running back.
So, one of the beautiful things in this era of college football, he packed his bags and went off to a new home. Very important to note that he didn't commit to Penn State until Matt Campbell was already the head coach, so he chose Campbell and chose Penn State.
Last year, for the Buckeyes, he finished with 61 carries for 344 yards and three touchdowns on the year. He averaged about 5.6 yards per carry and showed everything that a running back needs. He has speed, quickness, strength, an unbelievable athletic ability, and so much more.
He comes to Penn State with the ability to become the focal point of the Nittany Lions' offense.
Peoples is an explosive type of player that the Nittany Lions have lacked since Saquon Barkley was in the backfield. This is not to say that Peoples is the same type of player as Barkley; that is nowhere close to true.
However, he has an explosive athletic ability that is in the same universe as Barkley.
Last week, head coach Matt Campbell was asked about his running back's ability so far in camp. He said that James Peoples was the "star" of practice and that he is stacking "really special days."
Peoples in the backfield with quarterback Rocco Becht is going to be really good for the Nittany Lions. Both guys, when they are in the game, are going to be very electric. Peoples matched up with the improved skill positions on the Nittany Lions' outside, Penn State could be explosive.
Peoples is an immediate upgrade for Campbell's Penn State in the backfield. He brings incredible experience from one of the best teams in America. He participated in a National Championship and, for the most part, he just won.
He is going to hold the standard high for the Nittany Lions, and everyone better raise their game to match it.
