Nick Singleton has been spending his spring break at home in Shillington, playing video games, watching TV, and resting, for a good reason.
The former Gov. Mifflin star running back put on an incredible display last week in the Penn State weight room. He lifted 570 pounds five times in the back squat, pleasing his teammates and attracting the attention of hundreds of thousands of viewers on social media.
“It felt good at the beginning,” he said. “But in the end, it was quite heavy. It was good. It brought a lot of energy.
“I always want to get stronger and apply it to the field. It’s also about building team chemistry, pushing each other, and striving to get bigger, faster, and stronger.”
Singleton concluded his impressive performance during the Nittany Lions’ winter training program with a strong finish, adding 375 pounds in the bench press and 370 in the clean and jerk for good measure.
He demonstrated that he's prepared for spring practice, which starts Tuesday, and ready to lead his teammates by setting an example.
“I always aspire to be a leader,” he said. “I want to assist my team in winning. If we're behind, I want to lift my team up, bring energy to the field, and help my team compete.”
Singleton is also driven to help Penn State reach the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff this year and demonstrate that he's one of the top backs in the country.
After rushing for 1,061 yards and being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2022, his rushing numbers decreased last season. He ran for 752 yards and 4.4 per carry (down from 6.8 as a freshman), but he became a much more productive receiver.
He ranked third in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards with 105.6 per game and seventh in touchdowns with 10. He was named to the all-conference third team. It's not like he had a poor season; it just didn't meet the high expectations he set as a freshman.
“Definitely,” he said when asked if last season ignited a fire within him. “It constantly drives me. I always seek ways to improve. Last season was a learning experience with how teams defended us. How you performed in your freshman year, they're going to attempt different things.
“There were ups and downs, but it's all about learning. It motivates me to be better.”
Singleton ended last season on a high note. In Penn State’s final three games against Rutgers, Michigan State, and Ole Miss, he carried the ball 37 times for 229 yards, averaging 6.2 yards.
He was Penn State’s most outstanding offensive player against the Rebels in the Peach Bowl, gaining 147 all-purpose yards on just 13 touches and catching a touchdown pass and conversion pass.
The Lions welcome back six starters on offense, including quarterback Drew Allar, and add two experienced transfers who were Pennsylvania high school standouts: wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State and tackle Nolan Rucci from Wisconsin.
They also have a new offensive coordinator in Andy Kotelnicki after coach James Franklin dismissed Mike Yurcich in November. Kotelnicki spent three seasons at Kansas, where the Jayhawks finished eighth in the nation in rushing last year, 17th in scoring, and 21st in total offense.
Singleton is happy with what he has observed and heard so far from Kotelnicki.
“Coach K is very skilled,” he stated. “Everyone will tell you that he brings a lot of enthusiasm. He is a very chatty person in a positive manner. Just from the plays he has, I’m very excited. The whole offense is. Everyone loves him.
“He has been very competent. He is very approachable. He can converse with you about anything. He is a very open person.”
Singleton and classmate Kaytron Allen have together rushed for 3,582 yards and 36 touchdowns in their initial two seasons at Penn State. They hope Kotelnicki can bring them even more success.
“He’s a very good coach,” Singleton said. “He clearly stated that he’s giving the best players the ball. He’s aiming to win.”
One source recently did not include Singleton or Allen in its top 10 returning college football running backs, something that Penn State assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider made sure they saw.
“We’ve seen it,” Singleton said. “Coach Seider sent it to our group chat. All of it is motivation. We don’t mind that. We haven’t arrived yet. We just gotta keep working.”
The Lions’ spring work starts Tuesday with three new coordinators: Kotelnicki, former Indiana coach Tom Allen (defense) and Justin Lustig (special teams).
From the way Singleton sounds, he might be the first player to arrive at practice.
“I’m just excited to get back on the field with my teammates and build chemistry,” he said. “I just want to keep getting better at everything. I just can’t wait.”
