Throughout Penn State’s history, there have been plenty of incredible running backs who have come through the organization. The most popular one is Saquon Barkley, especially after his recent season in the NFL, which was remarkable.
After seeing a former Penn State Nittany Lion do so well in the pros, it’s no surprise that other running backs around the country become interested in the program. Even with a strong contingent already on the team, new running backs are giving Penn State a good look.
One of ESPN’s top 300 recruits, and a running back, recently announced that after he had a “great conversation” with Penn State’s assistant running backs coach Charles Walker, he was given an offer. Kenyon Norman, the running back out of Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio, announced on Twitter/X that he received an offer from Penn State.
After a great conversation with @CoachCBW I have received an offer from Penn State University!!! #blessed #agtg #weare @PennStateFball
@LakotaWestFB @LakotaWestFB @CoachBWestbrook @CoachTomBolden @gmcsports @247Sports @AllenTrieu @MikeDyer pic.twitter.com/vDwIWw6P7x— Kenyon Norman (@n0rman_keny0n) June 16, 2025
Norman is ESPN’s 297th-ranked recruit in the ESPN Jr. 300. He’s also ranked ninth in the state and has a prospect grade of 79 and is a three-star recruit.
Penn State isn’t the only college to offer to Norman, as Boston College, Indiana, Iowa, Miami (OH), Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Toledo all offered for the three-star running back. Other teams have also offered to Norman, but his latest one is from Penn State.
In 2024, Norman carried the ball 70 times for 552 yards and eight touchdowns, according to his Hudl profile. He also caught eight passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. In Norman’s freshman year, he was a member of the track team, and in the 4×100, he was a State Champion.
With Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton on the roster for Penn State, Norman wouldn’t be a factor in the 2025 season. He’d join Corey Smith, Quinton Martin Jr., and Cam Wallace as younger running backs who’d get a redshirt. That is, if he decides to commit to Penn State.
But, with Norman given an offer, and his reaction to receiving said offer, there’s a chance that the Nittany Lions have added another top 300 recruit to their class, and one at a position with a storied history.
