Kaytron Allen Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Matthew O’Haren/IMAGN Images)
School: Penn State
Class: Senior
Position: RB
HT: 5’11
WT: 217 lbs
Background: Kaytron Allen was a top 200 player in the class of 2022, originally out of Norfolk, VA. Allen was one of those top players recruited to play his high school ball for IMG Academy. He played his final three high school seasons for IMG Academy. As a senior, Allen rushed for over 1,400 yards and 27 touchdowns. After winning 26 of the 28 games he played for IMG, he was selected to play in the 2022 All-American Game. Kaytron Allen committed to play for Penn State over schools such as Florida State, Michigan State, Georgia, and Florida.
College: As a true freshman in 2022, Allen ran for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was a Freshman All-American and an All-Big 10 honorable mention. He backed that up in 2023 with 902 yards and 6 touchdowns. These numbers were good enough to earn him All-Big 10 Second Team honors. 2024 saw Kaytron Allen eclipse the thousand-yard mark with 1,108 yards to go along with 8 rushing touchdowns. While his numbers improved, he was just a Big 10 honorable mention. Despite the struggles for Penn State as a whole, Allen still found personal success in 2025. He recorded 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns and was named an All-Big 10 First Team selection.
Strengths: Kaytron Allen runs with plenty of thunder in each step. It feels like he creates an earthquake every time he breaks off a big gain. He does well to get low and lower his shoulder through contact. He is strong enough and runs with enough power to bulldoze defenders in front of him. He maintains leverage with that low pad level, generating plenty of power into the point of contact. Allen is an extremely versatile player, succeeding in a variety of schemes during his time at Penn State. No matter the year, stakes, or style of game, Allen has proven that he will find a way to make an impact on the field. Kaytron is a secure ball carrier with excellent technique, fumbles are a nonissue with him. While he can succeed on every down, he will especially be used in the red zone and short yardage situations where he can run between the tackles and use that dense frame and strong lower half to churn forward for hard earned yards.
Weaknesses: Allen is not a dynamic athlete and lacks that elite twitch or track speed that makes so many greats uncatchable in open space. If he breaks free, there is a good chance that defensive backs will hawk him down. Throughout his collegiate career, he has been a part of a committee. His effectiveness over the course of an entire NFL season with a heavier workload may be impacted.
Conclusion: Kaytron Allen has the frame to succeed in the NFL and has shown the versatility to succeed no matter the situation. He may need a partner in the backfield to maximize his energy and talents, but when he is out there, expect a difference maker.
Best Team Fits: CIN, KC, DEN
Player Comparison: Kenneth Walker III
Player Grade: Round 3 (77.2)
