Nick Singleton-PSU/Gov. Mifflin

James Franklin has made it clear this offseason that the Nittany Lions’ running game needs to improve. Penn State averaged 3.2 yards per carry last season. The Nittany Lions finished (7-6). Fans across the state are hoping Nick Singleton can provide a jolt to the ground attack in 2022. The former Gov. Mifflin standout was back in Berks County this weekend. The Reading Fightin Phils honored Singleton before their game in front of a packed house on Saturday evening. Singleton has received plenty of recognition over the past year. He was named the Gatorade National Offensive Player of the Year and Mr. PA Football for Class 4A-6A. The Maxwell Football Club presented Singleton with its National High School Offensive Player of the Year award. The explosive 215-pounder was ranked #57 overall in the Class of 2022 by ESPN which rated him as the third-best running back in the country. Singleton set Berks County career records with 6,326 rushing yards and 116 touchdowns. As a senior, he rumbled for 2,059 yards (12.7/carry) and scored 44 TDs. Singleton told me that his accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without his coaches, teammates, and family. We talked about what his parents have meant to him. Singleton said he looked up to Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Journey Brown. I asked how he’s fitting in with the current running backs at Penn State. Singleton mentioned that they push each other every day. Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford, and Caziah Holmes are all returning. Lee ran for a team-high 530 yards (4.9/carry) last season. Ford was limited to 14 carries. Freshman Kaytron Allen from IMG Academy in Florida could also be in the mix. Singleton noted that his coaches have been very pleased with his effort in the weight room. They’re also happy with his work in the classroom. Singleton stressed that he has always taken care of his schoolwork first. He confirmed that he does have a name, image, or likeness (NIL) deal. Singleton emphasized that he doesn’t regret enrolling early at all. He was able to make it back for the Gov. Mifflin prom. He had fun revealing who the top dancers are in the high school. Penn State kicks off its season at Purdue on September 1st. Singleton can’t wait for the first home game. The Nittany Lions face Ohio University on September 10th at Beaver Stadium. Singleton spoke highly of Sean Clifford’s leadership skills. The senior threw for 3,107 yards last year with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 61% of his passes. We discussed what it’s like practicing against Division I athletes, as opposed to high school players. Singleton led Gov. Mifflin to an (18-2) record over the past two seasons. The Mustangs won their first District 3 championship in 2020. Before Singleton greeted fans at FirstEnergy Stadium, I asked if he had ever played baseball before. He said he never did, but he believes he would’ve been a good hitter. I don’t think anyone who had the pleasure of watching Singleton over the last four years would doubt him.