It’s been awhile since Noah Cain and his Penn State teammates have put the pads back on. With that happening this week, the running back said he’s as excited as ever.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday via Zoom, Cain said he “felt like a baby at Christmas” when he got back in pads. Not having put them on since Penn State’s Cotton Bowl win over Memphis was starting to wear on the running back.

Cain had a strong season for the Nittany Lions, producing the second-most rushing for Penn State in a loaded running back. He finished his freshman season with 443 yards and 8 touchdowns on 84 carries. Cain also totaled 52 yards on 7 receptions.

Journey Brown was the team’s leading rusher last season, piling up 890 yards and 12 touchdowns on 129 touches. With both guys returning — along with Devyn Ford and talented incoming backs — Penn State is expected to have the best running back room in the B1G, and maybe the country.

With a full year of experience under his belt now, Cain is hoping to take on an even more prominent role in the offense. With a loaded schedule, the Nittany Lions will need him to be at full strength this fall to have a chance to win the B1G East.

Penn State will open the year on Oct. 24 against Indiana in Bloomington.