No player in Penn State football history owns more career rushing yards than Kaytron Allen. Four months after etching his name atop that Nittany Lions leaderboard, he is focused forward.
"It don't stop now," Allen said on Wednesday. "(Penn State success) was just one step of the way. So it's another level I've got to reach now to be better than I was the last four years. I'm always looking for ways to be better. How can I better myself as a person? As a football player?"
The 5-foot-11, 218-pound running back is coming off a senior campaign in which he shined as an individual bright spot during a rough autumn. He thrived with a progressively greater workload en route to 1,303 rushing yards (6.2 average) and 15 touchdowns across 12 games.
Allen earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition from coaches and reporters, along with a third-team Associated Press All-American nod. He surpassed 160 rushing yards in each of his final three college contests, including a career-best 226 at Rutgers during his Penn State finale.
That November success helped him jump Saquon Barkley (3,843) and Evan Royster (3,932 yards) to secure status as PSU's all-time rushing king (4,180).
Participating at Penn State Pro Day this week, Allen acknowledged that accomplishment "means a lot" to him. It's a goal that he wrote down for himself entering the 2025 season.
"I don't think people really talk too much about that either, but it is what it is," Allen said. "It's on the record board."
There's an obvious sense that he doesn't believe his impact as a four-year college starter is appreciated enough.
"I don't think people really respect what I've done here," Allen said. "I always made progress since I've been here — progress after progress."
Allen averaged five-plus yards per carry each season while sharing the backfield with 2022 classmate Nick Singleton, who finished fourth all-time in career rushing yards (3,461) while establishing new program high marks for touchdowns scored (55) and all-purpose yards (5,586).
Allen echoed Wednesday commentary from Singleton, describing him as "my brother for life."
Singleton was named National Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school senior, then claimed Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Outside of Happy Valley, where both are held in high esteem, that seemingly led to Allen being overlooked.
"Probably don't get the praise I (earned), which I don't care," he said. "All I need is an opportunity."
Following Pro Day, and preceding trips to the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, Allen is closer than ever to securing that opportunity, a word he repeatedly referenced Wednesday.
"I've been dreaming about it so long," he said. "It's in arm's reach, and whatever happens I've just gotta take advantage of it. All I need is an opportunity and to take advantage of everything."
Regarding any lingering disrespect, Allen intends to approach it the same way he did in State College.
"There was nothing I could do about it but play ball and control what I control," Allen said. "When I get the ball, you're gonna know who I am and what I stand for."
Many opponents have learned the hard way, as Allen's violent rushing style repeatedly decimated defenses. Now he aims to show that sustains against the game's greatest competition.
"I bring energy to the offense," Allen said. "... You get me, I'm a difference-maker to the team. I'm ready to play right now."
NFL coaches and scouts have spent significant time evaluating Allen, via video evidence, draft prospect events and face-to-face interactions.
"I've showed them that I'm football smart," he said. "I know a lot of football, been playing my whole life. I'm a football junkie."
Allen also understands they're emphasis on speed, and he's made that trait a focal point during pre-draft training in South Florida. Allen opted out of physical testing at both the Combine and Pro Day, leaving his 40-yard dash time a mystery.
"I'd have ran fast," Allen said when asked for a peek into that potential result.
While Singleton has long boasted a 4.3-range 40-yard dash, contributing toward five-star recruit status, Allen's assets have always shined brightest between the whistles.
"Turn on whatever film you want to turn on, for real," he said regarding NFL talent evaluators.
Longtime ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper listed Allen at No. 6 in post-Combine position rankings. Last year, Texas' Kaleb Johnson was the sixth running back selected, sent to the Cleveland Browns at Pick 83 overall in Round 3.
"I've talked to a lot of different teams," Allen said. "It don't really matter. Just give me an opportunity. That's all I need."
Along the way, his mother, Latarsha Allen, continues to supply motivation. Following his Combine workout at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — site of a 124-yard effort during the 2024 Big Ten Championship — he ascended steps to embrace her and a few other family members at their seats.
"Whenever I see my mom, it feels good, because I'm a mama's boy," Allen said. "I love to see my mom, see her smile. Whenever I see that, it just brings joy that nothing else can bring."
Beyond his tight-knight inner circle, Allen asserted he isn't starved for external validation.
"I've always got fuel, man. I don't need nobody to add fuel to the fire," Allen said. "That's just who I am —always got fuel. I want to show that I'm one of the best running backs out of the class. ... I add all the fuel to myself."
He will learn his NFL destination during a seven-round draft that spans April 23-25. Regardless of where his football journey leads next, Allen hopes he left behind a lasting Penn State legacy.
"That I was a different type of running back here," Allen said. "Always did all the dirty work — played hard. I was a football player, man. I love football. That's how I want to be remembered. I was a person that really loved football and did whatever it takes."