Penn State Nittany Lions 2015 Spring Game Preview: Five things to watch for

Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Akeel Lynch (22) rushes the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Penn State won 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

4. Can Akeel Lynch Have a Breakout Year?

One thing to keep your eye on is the potential emergence of Akeel Lynch in the Nittany Lions backfield this year. Seniors Zach Zwinak and Bill Belton have moved on from Happy Valley, leaving Lynch as the featured back in Franklin’s offense.

The redshirt Junior was a nice surprise in the backfield last year and given many more carries in the latter half of the season. While struggling initially, he rounded out the end of the season nicely with two 130+ yard rushing performances.

Franklin shaped a great career for Zac Stacy, the current St. Louis Ram, at Vanderbilt, who possesses the same thick frame that Lynch does. Look for Lynch to blow up tomorrow’s game and build potential moving into the fall.

Next: Return of the Hack?