Only Akeel Lynch Until Penn State Football

There are just over three weeks until the start of the 2015 season, and today we've drawn the historic number 22. Starting running back Akeel Lynch, a redshirt junior, is the current player wearing that uniform. Lynch will be the last Penn State player ever to wear the number 22 after the announcement two years ago that the program would be retiring it in honor of legendary running back and 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappalletti. Lynch hopes to continue the legacy of great Penn Staters wearing the jersey, a group that includes Cappalletti and the school's all-time rushing leader, former lacrosse player Evan Royster.

Lynch certainly won't embarrass himself wearing the number. A strong, talented runner, "Big Maple" led the team in rushing yards last season despite being a backup. With an improving, more experienced offensive line and a second year in John Donovan's offense, the Nittany Lions will be looking for more production out of the backfield in 2015. We talked earlier this week about some exciting young players who could get time as Lynch's backup, but it's important not to overlook Lynch when talking about these next two seasons.

Only 22 days until the season kicks off.