Throughout the 18-stop Penn State Coaches Caravan this past spring, Coach Bill O'Brien referred to Bill Belton when talking about "putting the team first." Prior to spring drills, O'Brien asked the vastly talented Belton to move from wide receiver to tailback because the coaching staff felt he could have a greater impact carrying the ball and catching it out of the backfield. The former All-South Jersey prep standout embraced his new position and had a very productive spring. He will enter training camp No. 1 on the depth chart at tailback and, in addition to contributions in the passing game, should also be a dynamic kick returner. The athletic, swift and instinctive Belton ran for a game-high 50 yards on just seven carries and caught one pass for 11 yards in the 2012 Blue-White game. He had a 20-yard burst and scored on a seven-yard run during the scrimmage to conclude spring drills. Last year, true freshman Belton played a larger role late in the season, showing flashes of his potential as a ball carrier. Belton has a bright future and is among seven returning Nittany Lions from New Jersey.
2011 Freshman Season
Belton was a key component in the successful "Wildcat" formation that the Nittany Lions unveiled late in the season, gaining 65 yards on 13 carries in eight games. He gained 15 yards on four attempts in the big matchup at Ohio State. At Wisconsin, Belton carried the ball three times, collecting 12 yards. He delivered the best game of his freshman season against Houston in the TicketCity Bowl, setting season-highs in rushing yards (38) and attempts (6). Belton made his collegiate debut in the game at Temple and returned his first kickoff for 15 yards against Eastern Michigan. One of four true freshmen to earn playing time, Belton logged a total of 71 plays, led by 17 against Houston and 14 at Wisconsin.
High School
Belton was named first-team all-state, all-group and All-South Jersey at Winslow Township High School, playing for Coach Mike McBride. He was honored as the Courier-Post Player-of-the-Year and Rivals.com rated him the No. 13 athlete in the nation. Belton became the first New Jersey prep quarterback to post consecutive seasons of 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. As a senior, he threw for 2,167 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Personal
Full name is William Earl Belton II. Born February 8, 1993.
