In a significant move, Penn State Football head coach James Franklin has announced the hiring of Stan Drayton as the team’s new running backs coach. Drayton, a seasoned coach with over three decades of experience, joins the Nittany Lions after serving as the head coach at Temple University for the past three seasons. citeturn0search1

 

“Stan Drayton brings decades of experience coaching running backs at the highest levels to our program,” Franklin stated. “His experience as a head coach and working alongside elite backs in his career will be invaluable to our running backs room.” citeturn0search1

 

Drayton’s coaching career is marked by notable tenures at both collegiate and professional levels. Before his head coaching role at Temple, he was the associate head coach, running backs coach, and run game coordinator at the University of Texas from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he played a pivotal role in developing standout running backs and enhancing the team’s ground game. citeturn0search15

 

At Ohio State University, Drayton served as the running backs coach from 2012 to 2014, where he mentored future NFL talents like Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliott. Under his guidance, Hyde amassed 1,521 rushing yards in 2013, while Elliott recorded 1,878 yards in 2014, ranking third nationally that year. citeturn0search15

 

Drayton’s NFL experience includes a stint with the Chicago Bears as their running backs coach from 2015 to 2016. In Chicago, he was instrumental in the development of rookie running back Jordan Howard, who finished the 2016 season with 1,313 rushing yards, the second-highest in the NFL that year. citeturn0search15

 

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Penn State, Drayton said, “I am excited and honored to be joining this elite organization led by Coach Franklin. Penn State has a rich running back tradition and a very talented running back room now. I am thrilled for this opportunity and am looking forward to getting to work.” citeturn0search1

 

Drayton’s appointment comes in the wake of Ja’Juan Seider’s departure after a seven-year tenure with the Nittany Lions. Seider, recognized for his recruiting prowess and player development, has taken a position with Notre Dame. citeturn0search3

 

With Drayton’s extensive experience and proven track record, Penn State aims to continue its tradition of excellence in developing elite running back talent and bolstering its offensive performance in the upcoming seasons.

 

For more insights into Stan Drayton’s hiring and what it means for Penn State Football, watch the following video:

 

videoBREAKING: Penn State Football Chooses Next Running Backs Coachturn0search0