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Following is a preseason series on Penn State's position groups and a key player to watch from each:
POSITION: Running back
Player to watch: Carson Hansen (No. 21)
Class: Senior
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 216 pounds
Career to this point: Hansen rushed for 100 yards or more in the last five games of 2025 for Iowa State when he totaled 952 yards (5.0 average) on the season. Two-year starter who also has 43 career receptions.
Quotable: "He is as trusted as any player I've coached. He is one of our best leaders and will set the tone for our offense this season. He has breakaway speed and exceptional hands." -- Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser
FYI: Hansen was the Minnesota player of the year (Star-Tribune) in 2022 who helped his team to state titles in 2020 and 2021
Others in the mix: This position has healthy competition. James Peoples (No. 1) rushed for 344 yards last year for Ohio State and also played in eight games as a freshman. Redshirt sophomore Quinton Martin (No. 25) had a breakout game vs. Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl with 103 yards. Fellow PSU holdover Cam Wallace (No. 28) has battled injuries.
FRIDAY: Offensive line
-- Neil Rudel