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Penn State knows the value of having a running back that can break a big run at any given moment. Baylor transfer running back John Lovett could potentially be that kind of player for the Nittany Lions, according to head coach James Franklin.
Lovett did not get a chance to play in Penn State’s open spring practice last week in front of fans and the media, but he did get a chance on Friday night to get in some reps with people watching. And judging by the post-practice comments by Franklin, it appears Lovett has been fitting in quite nicely with his new teammates.
“He’s a mature guy. Our players really like him,” Franklin said about Lovett on Friday evening. “The coaches really like him. He learns well, so we think he’s going be right there in the hunt come training camp. ”
Lovett comes to Penn State as a veteran running back from his time at Baylor, and is thought to be a player that can step right in and contribute to the Penn State running game. He may not be a featured back, but together with a healthy Noah Cain and the continued development of players like Devyn Ford and Keyvone Lee, Lovett could be a solid contributor in a deep and talented running back corp. And if Penn State needs a back to create a big play on the ground, Franklin feels Lovett can get the job done.
“He was very respected at the place he came from. So, he is kind of what we thought,” Franklin said. “He can run. He has the ability to make people miss. He’s got that extra gear that we need. He’s a guy that we think can be a home run threat for us.”
Franklin did suggest Lovett will benefit from a little time in the weight room between now and the start of the season, but the head coach of the Nittany Lions seems pleased with one of the additions from the transfer portal this spring.
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