Penn State's Nicholas Singleton didn't need long last season to realize that he belonged in college football.
"After the first game, I felt that I can do this," Singleton said, "that I'm not a rookie anymore."
Now, the Lions' breakthrough running back and Big Ten freshman of the year has turned toward season No. 2 with still more to prove. So this spring he's working on pass protection, route-running with receivers, his inside run game and piloting an offense that demands new leadership.
He's doing all that while attempting to moderate a workload, along with fellow back Kaytron Allen, to ensure both are healthy for the 2023 season. Penn State is in a delicate spot at running back, fielding one of the Big Ten's top duos but having no scholarship backs behind them this spring. In fact, fans likely won't see a whole lot of Singleton and Allen at the Blue-White Game on April 15 at Beaver Stadium.
After that, freshman backs London Montgomery and Cam Wallace arrive this summer, bringing fresh talent to the room. In the meantime, head coach James Franklin said that he plans to be smart with Singleton and Allen while developing depth at the position.
"That's what we've got to figure out between this spring and then summer camp as well," Franklin said, "for depth but also to make sure that we're not overworking those two guys either."
But Singleton isn't one to underwork. After rushing for 1,087 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, Singleton turned toward expanding his game this spring.
This spring he has been improved his knowledge of the offensive scheme, his impact in pass protection and his receiving skills. To that end, Singleton has spent more time with the receivers and the JUGS machine to build on the 11 passes he caught last season.
Singleton also has worked with Allen specifically on running between the tackles, studying the patience with which Allen had success last season. Singleton and Allen expect to see more run-oriented defenses this season, with extra defenders stacking the line of scrimmage, and plan to be prepared.
"The whole running back room, and especially coach [Ja'Juan] Seider. have been preaching, 'All eyes on us,'" Singleton said. "Now we've got to step up. It helps a lot with [quarterback] Drew [Allar], because he's a good player, too. He can run and throw the ball, so they have to respect that. That will help us out, so [defenses] won't load the box on us like they usually do."
Beyond mastery of the offense, Franklin has made leadership development a core pursuit this spring. The Lions lost six captains, including a pair of four-year captains in Sean Clifford and Jonathan Sutherland, and need fresh voices.
Singleton is trying to make himself one of those voices. His style, however, leans more toward setting an example.
"I just do what I’m told, listen to my coaches and you see me in the weight room," Singleton said. "I really just grind when it comes to that and just get extra work in. Players see that and they try to be like that. That’s the expectation we’re trying to set."
He's also looking forward to becoming a veteran. Singleton and Allen quickly went from freshmen to starter in Penn State's running backs room and now are the elders, at least in terms of experience. So when Montgomery and Wallace arrive, Singleton wants to be a guide.
"I can’t wait for them to come in," Singleton said. "They're really good players. We’ve seen them this spring, and they can’t wait to come up."
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