An offseason of change following a successful 2024 season continues in Happy Valley. With the hiring of Penn State’s new running back coach, the Nittany Lions are taking a Stan. Stan Drayton brings to Penn State a resume that includes head coaching experience, experience in bigger programs, and a table of running backs that have developed under his tutelage.
Drayton enters a situation at Penn State that would be the envy of any running back coach. In returning stars Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, Drayton takes over arguably the best running back room in the country. His ability to work with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to maximize Singleton’s and Allen’s performance will be a critical determinant in improving on last year’s College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearance.
Taking a Stan: Who is Stan Drayton?
When previous running back coach Ja’Juan Seider left Penn State after seven years, to take the same position with Notre Dame, it became important for head coach James Franklin and Kotelnicki to find a suitable replacement. Singleton and Allen are two of the best, if not the best, weapons on the Nittany Lions offense. Question marks abound at wide receiver, and tight end Tyler Warren is moving on to the NFL. Consequently, the running backs and quarterback Drew Allar are the returning stalwarts on offense.
Drayton arrives at Penn State after serving as head coach at Temple. Drayton had a 9-25 record at Temple. The Owls had a 3-9 record in the first two of Drayton’s seasons and were 3-7 when he was let go this past November with two games remaining. Franklin is hoping to find success similar to what was seen with Tom Allen and Manny Diaz, who joined Penn State as assistants after being head coaches elsewhere.
Before Temple, Drayton was a member of the Texas coaching staff from 2017 – 2021. He was the associate head coach, running back coach, and running game coordinator there. Drayton worked for both Tom Herman and Steve Sarkisian while at Texas, before moving on for the promotion at Temple. Before Texas, Drayton was the running backs coach at multiple programs/NFL teams including the Chicago Bears, Ohio State, Florida, Syracuse, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Bowling Green, Villanova, Penn, and Allegheny.
Drayton has also walked the walk as a running back. He was a three-time first-team All-America selection at the running back position at Allegheny College.
Developed by Drayton
There have been numerous successful running backs that were developed, at least in part, by Drayton. They have gone on to be successful at the NFL level as well. That experience will be helpful for Drayton as he takes on the development of stars in Singleton and Allen.
Given the programs that Drayton worked with, it is not surprising that he crossed paths with some solid running backs. His mentorship helped bring them to the next level. Recently, he helped develop Bijan Robinson. Robinson won the Doak Walker Award in 2022 after rushing for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. Robinson learned from Drayton through 2021.
Additionally, Drayton worked a few running backs of note when he was with Ohio State. First, there was Carlos Hyde. In 2013, Hyde rushed for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding three additional receiving touchdowns. To top that, in 2014 sophomore Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,878 yards with 23 touchdowns.
After 2014, Drayton moved on to the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He led quality NFL backs including Jordan Howard, and Matt Forte. Howard set the Bears rookie single-season rushing record under Drayton.
Additionally, Drayton developed a few other 1,000-yard college rushers earlier in his coaching career. Jerious Norwood rushed for 1,050 yards in 2004 at Mississippi State. Brian Westbrook developed into a star at Villanova when Drayton was the running back coach. In 1998, Westbrook rushed for 1,046 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Winning Over Tough Critics
With Penn State’s new running back coach, Franklin is taking a Stan and looking to win now after reaching the semifinals last season. Drayton is the second former Ohio State assistant to join Franklin’s staff. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles joined the staff earlier this offseason after winning a ring with the Buckeyes. Drayton brings a similar winning pedigree.
Drayton joins the Nittany Lions with two college national championship rings. He earned one in 2014 with Ohio State. Before that, Drayton also earned a ring in 2006 with Florida. There is a similarity in those programs and situations as well. The head coach at both programs at those times was Urban Meyer. Interestingly, Meyer hired Drayton four times. The first time was at Bowling Green, followed by Florida, and then again at Ohio State.
After being let go as head coach at Temple, the program was still very complimentary of Drayton. He represented the program with class and integrity. It is unfortunate that Drayton’s first head coaching experience came at Temple. A notoriously difficult program to win with, his coaching abilities should not be judged by the results the Owls produced.
Drayton is a solid addition to a quality and improving coaching staff. His ability to maximize the production of Singleton and Allen this season will be a critical factor of success for the Nittany Lions. With a resume of quality running backs that he has worked with in the past, the sky is the limit for them this year.
Main image: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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