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.
Early Life and High School Career
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 coordinator options to deploy him in multiple ways.
Development and Growth (2023)
Singleton's sophomore season in 2023 featured continued production as he refined his skills and added experience. While the season didn't feature the same explosive statistics as his freshman campaign, the development of his overall game and his understanding of offensive concepts positioned him for even greater success in the future.
The 2023 season also saw Singleton begin developing his pass-catching abilities, adding another dimension to his game that would prove valuable in subsequent seasons. His willingness to embrace all aspects of the running back position demonstrated his team-first mentality and commitment to maximizing his contributions.
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, while defenses that dropped into coverage opened running lanes for his explosive rushing ability.
Perhaps most significantly, Singleton became the sixth Penn State player to reach 1,000 rushing yards in multiple seasons, placing him in elite company within the program's history. 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 and Strengths
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, as any gap or crease can turn into a long touchdown run.
His power, evidenced by his record-breaking squat, allows him to run through arm tackles and maintain balance through contact. Defenders who fail to tackle with proper technique consistently find themselves on the ground as Singleton continues downfield. 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. These skills, combined with his physical tools, create a complete running back capable of succeeding in any scheme or situation.
Chasing History: The Evan Royster Record
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.
The record chase also creates compelling storylines for Penn State fans and media, as each game brings Singleton closer to history. His consistency and durability suggest he has an excellent chance to break the record, barring injury or a decision to leave early for the NFL.
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.
The partnership also serves practical purposes, as sharing the workload helps keep both backs fresh throughout the season and reduces the risk of injury. This depth at running back gives Penn State a significant advantage over teams that rely heavily on a single featured back.
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.
The decision of when to declare for the NFL Draft represents a significant choice for Singleton. Leaving after his junior season would allow him to begin his professional career earlier, while returning for a senior season provides opportunities to break the school rushing record and potentially improve his draft position with another strong season.
Legacy and Impact
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.
Singleton's legacy extends beyond statistics to include his contribution to Penn State's successful seasons and his role in maintaining the program's running back tradition. Future Penn State running backs will be measured against Singleton's achievements, and his name will be mentioned alongside Barkley, Curt Warner, Ki-Jana Carter, and other Penn State legends.
Conclusion
Nicholas Singleton represents the best of Penn State football: elite talent, relentless work ethic, and commitment to team success. His journey from Shillington to potential Penn State rushing record holder exemplifies what makes college football compelling. 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.