Nicholas Sean-Gaylor Singleton has established himself as one of the most dynamic and explosive running backs in Penn State football history. From Shillington, Pennsylvania, Singleton's combination of elite speed and raw power has terrorized Big Ten defenses and positioned him as a potential all-time great in the program's storied rushing tradition.
Pennsylvania Roots
Born and raised in Shillington, Pennsylvania, Singleton attended Governor Mifflin High School, where he emerged as one of the state's premier running back prospects. His rare combination of speed and power made him a highly-recruited player, with Penn State ultimately winning the battle to keep the Pennsylvania native home.
Singleton's decision to stay in-state proved fortuitous for Penn State, as keeping elite Pennsylvania talent home has always been a priority for the program. His commitment signaled his belief in Penn State's ability to develop running backs and provide a platform for NFL success.
Record-Breaking Strength
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Singleton's physical profile is his extraordinary strength. During his time at Penn State, Singleton broke Saquon Barkley's program squat record with an astounding 655-pound lift. This achievement is particularly significant given Barkley's status as one of the NFL's premier running backs and Penn State's all-time great.
Breaking Barkley's record required not just raw strength but dedication to the weight room and proper technique. The achievement demonstrates Singleton's commitment to maximizing his physical tools and his understanding that elite performance requires excellence in all areas of preparation.
The combination of elite speed (4.39 forty-yard dash) with record-breaking strength creates a unique and dangerous profile. Defenders face an impossible dilemma: pursue Singleton's speed and risk being run over by his power, or respect his power and watch him accelerate past them.
Freshman Sensation (2022)
Singleton's impact was immediate upon arriving in Happy Valley. As a true freshman in 2022, he earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with a spectacular season that announced his arrival as one of college football's premier running backs. His ability to contribute at such a high level as a freshman reflected both his exceptional talent and his preparation for the rigors of Big Ten football.
The freshman season established Singleton's explosive playmaking ability and demonstrated his potential to become one of Penn State's all-time great backs. His speed on the perimeter, combined with his power between the tackles, gave offensive coordinators options to deploy him in multiple ways.
2024: Career Season
The 2024 season represented Singleton's best year at Penn State, as he rushed for a career-high 1,099 yards with an impressive 6.4 yards per carry average and 13 rushing touchdowns. His all-purpose yardage of 1,805 ranked fifth in a single season in Penn State history, placing him among the program's most productive offensive players ever.
Singleton's receiving contributions also elevated in 2024, as he caught 41 passes for 375 yards and multiple touchdowns. This dual-threat capability made him impossible to game-plan against, as defenses that focused on stopping his rushing faced him in space as a receiver.
Perhaps most significantly, Singleton became the sixth Penn State player to reach 1,000 rushing yards in multiple seasons. Together with Kaytron Allen, they became the first Nittany Lion duo to both rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, creating one of the nation's most feared backfield combinations.
Playing Style
Singleton's playing style combines elements rarely seen together in a single player. His 4.39 speed makes him one of the fastest players in college football, capable of outrunning defensive backs to the edge and turning the corner on outside runs. This elite speed creates constant big-play potential.
His power, evidenced by his record-breaking squat, allows him to run through arm tackles and maintain balance through contact. The combination of power and balance makes him particularly effective in short-yardage situations and between the tackles.
Singleton's vision and patience have improved throughout his career. His ability to identify the correct gap, wait for blocks to develop, and explode through openings demonstrates advanced running back instincts.
Chasing History
Entering the 2025 season with 3,091 career rushing yards, Singleton finds himself within striking distance of Evan Royster's Penn State career rushing record of 3,932 yards. With a full senior season remaining (if he chooses not to leave early for the NFL), Singleton needs just 842 yards to claim the record and cement his status as Penn State's all-time leading rusher.
The pursuit of Royster's record provides additional motivation for Singleton as he navigates his senior season. Breaking the record would place him atop one of the most prestigious statistical categories in Penn State football history and ensure his legacy long after his playing days end.
Partnership with Kaytron Allen
The relationship between Singleton and fellow running back Kaytron Allen represents one of the most successful backfield partnerships in college football. Rather than competing for touches, the two backs complement each other's skill sets and push each other to higher levels of performance.
Their historic achievement in 2024 as the first Penn State duo to both rush for 1,000 yards demonstrates the coaching staff's trust in both players and their ability to coexist productively. The competition between them elevates both players' performance while providing Penn State with matchup problems that opposing defenses struggle to solve.
NFL Future
Singleton's combination of elite speed, power, and production has made him a likely early-round NFL Draft pick. His physical profile fits what NFL teams seek in running backs: game-breaking speed, power to convert short-yardage situations, and receiving ability out of the backfield.
Scouts particularly appreciate Singleton's rare speed-power combination, a profile that tends to succeed at the professional level. His durability throughout his college career also addresses concerns NFL teams have about running backs' ability to withstand the physical demands of a long season.
Legacy
Regardless of when Singleton's Penn State career ends, his impact on the program is undeniable. His record-breaking strength, explosive playmaking ability, and consistent production have made him one of the program's all-time great running backs. His achievements have enhanced Penn State's reputation as a destination for elite running back prospects.
Nicholas Singleton represents the best of Penn State football: elite talent, relentless work ethic, and commitment to team success. As he chases history and prepares for an NFL future, Singleton's impact on Penn State football is already secure, with potential for even greater achievements ahead.