Williamsport’s Treyson Potts has attended many PSU games. He was a huge fan as a kid. Yes. Potts has many ties to State College. Several in his family went to State. He always wanted to play for the Nittany Lions. The dynamic running back was on their radar. But a few knee injuries during his junior and senior years of high school did him in. Treyson Potts ended up going to Minnesota, where he shined and got his degree. He had a great career for the Gophers. Potts still had another year. Like many in the college football ranks, Treyson could transfer to anywhere he pleased.
Coach James Franklin and a few other Lions went after Potts once he entered the portal in March. He is a hometown kid and a savvy veteran who could provide more depth and great leadership behind two Sophomore studs at running back. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
“It was a big decision,” Potts explained. “Sure, I had some options, but being from Pennsylvania and having my family and friends so close. It was a no-brainer for me to come to Penn State.”
The 5’10, 218-pound elder has a great smile and quite the tale. He rushed for 1,195 yards and 11 touchdowns in 24 games and four seasons at Minnesota. Treyson was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. The Nittany Lions are excited to have him on the squad. Potts will play a huge role both on and off the field. He will have the opportunity to mentor and serve as a big brother to his team.
“It feels right to have him here,” a proud mom, Georgia Potts, shared. “I always felt this was where he needed to be. Things happen. But I am glad that he is now at Penn State. We have so many PSU grads in our family. My childhood and Treyson’s childhood involved several Nittany Lion games. It is a wonderful feeling seeing him in the Blue and White. ”
You can always say what if with Treyson. My guy was one of the nation’s best after his impressive 10th-grade year. Potts ran for 2,016 yards and 34 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. I had the opportunity to call many of his games. Treyson was special. He had speed and power, unlike anyone we have ever seen. Potts had to miss his entire junior season after a torn ACL. He came back the following year and performed well. Potts ran for 580 yards in his first five games. But his scholastic career came to a dramatic halt when Treyson tore another ACL. Ouch. Tough luck, kid. Treyson was a popular topic in my columns. I counted five articles on the kid from the East End. We gave him some love when he was at WAHS, Minnesota, and now.
Some of the big-time schools, including Penn State, lost interest in Treyson. He kept battling and then ended up finding a home in Minneapolis. Potts was a guy the Gophers relied on. Two years ago, Treyson got his chance. He was sensational and actually was leading the Big Ten. Potts ran for 552 yards and six touchdowns in just five games. But again. A serious scare occurred, and Treyson missed the rest of the year. It was an undisclosed injury. I know the story, and I can’t even fathom. Most said his days of football were gone. The comeback kid was dealt with even more adversity. He saw it as a challenge. He got back to the gridiron. Somehow, he found a way. Now Treyson Potts is on the sidelines in Happy Valley. Our number 23 is playing for Penn State.
Another shout-out to Treyson. We are so proud of you kid. Welcome home. Enjoy the overall. I have yet another reason to cheer for Penn State. Cheers.
