April 14, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Akeel Lynch has been waiting for the opportunity to become Penn State's featured running back since he committed to the Nittany Lions leading up to the 2012 season.
He redshirted during his first fall before spending the last two years waiting in the wings behind the tandem of Bill Belton and Zach Zwinak.
Like any college freshman, Lynch walked into the program with his mind made up that he was ready to be an impact player. But hindsight is always 20/20, and knowing what he knows now as a redshirt junior, the Toronto product wouldn't trade the last two years for anything.
Albeit difficult, Lynch remained optimistic and used the opportunity as means to refine all aspects of his game.
"I think I did a lot in those two years to develop and put myself in this position to be the older guy in the room," Lynch said. "I don't think that if I had to play right away I would be as effective because I have learned so much. Even though at the time I didn't see it, it was helpful and your time comes."
Now the featured player in a backfield full of young talent, Lynch is the guy everyone is turning to with questions. He's poised to be a central figure in the Penn State offense, and it's a role Lynch is ready to embrace.
"It's more of a change in mentality," said Lynch. "Being the No. 1 guy is a lot different than coming off the bench. Just knowing that the team needs you to be the No. 1 guy, you know that you have to do all of the things necessary to be a good running back."
His preparation for what lies in store for 2015 has been an evolutionary process for three years, but Lynch's production in the final seven games of 2014 expedited his track to becoming the featured back.
The 6-foot, 220-pound junior circles the final drive in regulation during Penn State's double overtime game with Ohio State as the moment when things began to shift. It was a moment that propelled Lynch to seven-straight games of 12 or more carries, including back-to-back 130-yard-plus outings in November.
"That (last drive in regulation is) when the game started to slow down for me, and I gained my confidence," Lynch said. "We were able to move the ball, and I was able to do my job to help the team score (to end the game)."
Lynch scored touchdowns in three of the final four games and tallied 75 yards on 17 carries in the Pinstripe Bowl, boosting him into the start of spring ball.
"The spring has gone really well," Lynch said. "It's the second year so the offense is moving a lot more smoothly. The game has slowed down. Communication is a lot better for everyone."
The final player to wear No. 22 before the number is retired is by no means satisfied. He knows there is another gear in all aspects of his game. At the top of the list in Lynch's mind is an unsung characteristic of any great running back.
"Pass protection has slowed down a lot for more, but it's still about picking up blitzes faster," Lynch said. "Definitely during this spring ball (period), I've seen a lot of improvement with myself. I'm getting more confident and I'm picking up blitzes a lot faster and getting in a lot better body position."
After becoming the 42nd player in Penn State history to eclipse 1,000 yards, Lynch's strong finish to 2014 set the stage for his final two seasons in Blue and White. He understands that increased responsibility on the field places a bigger burden on his shoulders.
"I've always tried to prepare myself for this role," said Lynch. "You've got to be the guy to go out there and make plays; run the ball, block, catch the ball out of the backfield. You have to go out there and make the plays to win the game."
Lynch's ability to make those winning plays is a byproduct of the trait that has made him a better running back and the same characteristic that placed him into the position he is in today as the featured man in the running attack.
Patience.