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If there's one position I'm more excited about than any other in 2013, it would have to be the running backs. With Penn State breaking in a new quarterback and three backs who are all capable of producing big numbers carrying the rock, another highly productive year from the offense seems to be in the cards for the Nittany Lions. But, with three different guys looking to get touches, who will emerge as the top dog in 2013?
Zach Zwinak - After taking over a few games into the 2012 season, Zwinak went on an absolute tear and ended the season with 1,000 yards rushing on the dot. He is the presumed starter heading into the 2013 campaign because of his efforts last season. While he came to Penn State as a fullback recruit, he showed off some speed in this run against Nebraska last year.
Bill Belton -- Belton began 2012 as the starter in the backfield after Silas Redd's departure, but injured his ankle against Ohio in the opener. He did come back to run for 103 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa, but never regained top reps from Zwinak. I'd like to see him converted to a Percy Harvin-type player who takes snaps all over the field, but we'll see what O'Brien does with him in 2013. Word is that he needs to get academics straight before the season starts though.
Akeel Lynch -- Big Maple took a redshirt in 2012 after choosing Penn State over Iowa (AIRBHG didn't get this one) and had his coming out party in the Blue-White Game, rushing for 97 yards on 12 carries after an opening-series injury took Zwinak out of commission. People expect Lynch (along with Eugene Lewis) to be the breakout star of the offense this year and if April's performance says anything, his impact will be felt by both Penn State and their opponents in 2013.
So, with that being said....
Who will be the guy who excels in the backfield in 2013: Zwinak, Belton or Lynch?
More from Black Shoe Diaries:
- Hidden Gems: Penn State-Navy 2012
- Only Adam Cole Until Penn State Football
- BSD Predicts the Big Ten Football Standings
- One Burning Question: Syracuse
- Penn State Football: Still Keepin' It Real Ya'll
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