UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Akeel Lynch has been asked a lot about patience. It makes sense. Lynch, the least-used of Penn State’s group of three running backs, averages the most yards per carry and has at times been the most impressive back.

Coming off one of the best performances of his career Saturday, Lynch maintains he is fine with Penn State’s setup. He knows he’ll get the opportunity when he deserves it.

“You never know when your name is going to be called,” he said.

In nine games last year and four games this year, Lynch compiled 494 yards on 77 carries, an average of 6.4 yards per carry. He was used primarily in reserve situations last season, often after Penn State had already gained the lead. Running backs Bill Belton and Zach Zwinak were more likely to be used at the beginning of the game when Penn State attempted to establish the run.

Franklin has employed a similar strategy. Lynch carried the ball two times combined in close games against Central Florida and Rutgers.

Of course, Penn State’s rushing offense was less than adequate in those games, with Zwinak and Belton combining for 91 yards on 39 carries. Penn State also struggled running against Akron, except for Lynch. He had seven carries for 45 yards.

Saturday, with the rushing game finally thriving against Massachusetts, Lynch gained the most yards and the most yards per carry. He finished with 81 yards on eight carries, including a career-best 46-yard run.

When asked whether Lynch may have earned more playing time with Saturday’s performance, Franklin didn’t answer the question. Instead, he talked about all three of the running backs.

“He’s done a nice job,” Franklin said. “He really has. From what I’ve seen — the statistics may say something different — I think we have three backs that we feel really good about. We’re going to need to keep rotating those guys in to keep them fresh. I think they’ve all shown that they have the ability to make plays and have a role in this offense.”

Lynch’s role, like that of many players, changed when he arrived on campus. He went from being a star in high school to having to redshirt. Though it may have been difficult to accept a redshirt season, Lynch made the best of it in 2012. He went from 205 pounds to 215 pounds while maintaining his 40-yard dash time of 4.48 seconds.

One of his biggest challenges now is staying focused as he waits on the sideline for his turn. Physically, he stays warm by contributing on special teams. Mentally, Lynch said he asks questions of Belton and Zwinak. He wants to know how the defense is playing and how it is timing its blitzes.

Then — when his name does get called — Lynch believes he is always ready to go. Even though he continues to be a reserve, he tries to conduct himself like he could be the first one in the game.

“My mindset is think of myself as a starter,” Lynch said. “No matter the situation.”

First Published: September 24, 2014, 4:00 a.m.