Penn State hasn't been shy about recruiting running backs lately, and on Thursday they secured a commitment from Alabama's all-time record scorer. Four-star prospect Alvin Henderson, who rushed for more than 3,500 yards last season, becomes the third running back to join the Nittany Lions' 2025 recruiting class.
Henderson, the No. 8 running back in the nation according to 247Sports Composite, chose Penn State from a final list that included Auburn, Florida State, Oregon and Miami. He became Penn State's top-ranked player in his 2025 class, according to 247Sports, and became the first Penn State player to rank in the ESPN 300's top 100 (Henderson ranked No. 55 on him).
Henderson (5-10, 195 pounds) produced one of the most prolific rushing seasons in the nation in 2023, setting Alabama state records for rushing yards and touchdowns. Henderson rushed for 3,523 yards and 61 touchdowns and scored 408 points, leading Elba High School to a 13-1 record and a berth in the Alabama Class 1A state semifinals. Henderson averaged 251 yards per game and nearly 16 yards per carry and was named the state's Class 1A running back for the second straight year.
Henderson's commitment represented a very aggressive recruiting move for Penn State. In addition to Auburn, Henderson had offers from Alabama, as well as Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas, Colorado and Arkansas. This is even more noteworthy since Penn State already has two running backs committed to the 2025 class. Kiandrea Barker, a four-star prospect from Miami, and Tyquay Hayes, a three-star back from Aliquippa (Pa.).
Under running backs coach Jajuan Sider, Penn State has brought in several classes with multiple backs. The 2022-24 classes all featured two running backs, including the 2022 pairing of Nicholas Singleton and Caitron Allen, who will form the backfield as juniors this season. The 2023 class will redshirt two backs, Cam Wallace and London Montgomery, and the 2024 class will be joined by backs Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith. Martin enrolled early and participated in spring training.
“I think in college football and the NFL today, the more you can use a running back, the better,” Penn State coach James Franklin said on signing day in December. “I think we made a big investment this offseason and during the season to utilize our running backs in different ways, and we want to continue to grow in that area.”
Henderson is the 12th player to join Penn State's 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 8 nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite.
AllPennState is your destination for Penn State news, opinions and perspectives on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles, and an impressive catalog of articles. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.
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