Nicholas Singleton: Penn State’s explosive home-run threat and top NFL draft prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Few running backs in the country combine pure speed, physicality, and natural feel for the position like Nicholas Singleton. The Penn State standout has been electric all season, producing 463 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while also catching 22 passes for 496 yards; a stat line that shows just how dangerous he is in space. With 4.39 speed, Singleton is one of the fastest backs in college football, and it shows on tape every single week.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhen Singleton gets to the second level, he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. His breakaway gear forces defenses to play cautiously, but he’s not just a finesse runner; he’s physical. He runs through arm tackles, lowers his pads at the goal line, and finishes runs with authority. That blend of explosiveness and power makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
NFL scouts already view Singleton as a top-five running back in this year’s draft class, and it’s not hard to see why. He has elite speed, sharp vision, and impressive patience behind the line of scrimmage. He lets blocks develop, hits the crease at full acceleration, and rarely misses open lanes.
His receiving production adds another layer to his draft appeal. Nearly 500 yards through the air shows that he’s not just a check-down option, he’s a legitimate matchup weapon who can line up anywhere.
Singleton is the type of back who changes offenses. He’s explosive, efficient, and consistently impactful, everything NFL teams covet.
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