Friday Feature #19: Nicholas Singleton
Penn State did not live up to expectation to say the least, in 2025. Neither, really, did their presumed lead back, Nicholas Singleton. He was outgained more than 2:1 by Kaytron Allen, and while he had his fair share of receiving yards (219 to be exact), the season never really exploded for him as it did during Penn State’s 2024 CFP run. Nonetheless, Singleton is headed to the Senior Bowl alongside his Nittany Lions running mate and could be set to remind the NFL scouting community exactly what he can do with the ball in his hands. Check out my detailed scouting report on Singleton below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Nicholas Singleton
Year: Senior
Size: 6’1, 226 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Change of pace back in a gap and zone scheme
Former 5-star recruit out of Reading, PA, who committed to the Nittany Lions over the big SEC schools and Notre Dame. Singleton also competed in track and field in high school. Singleton was a star right away in Happy Valley, when he rushed for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns and averaged 6.8 yards per carry during his true freshman season, still his most productive rushing season statistically. He handled kickoff returns as well, logging 14 returns for 349 yards (24.9) with a 100-yard touchdown. He followed that up with 171 rushes for 752 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. Showed his receiving upside by having 26 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
He was third on the team in 2024 with 39 receptions, while his 342 receiving yards ranked fourth. Singleton surprised many when he decided to return to Penn State for his senior season, particularly after having 1,106 rushing yards in 2024, with over 350 of those yards coming in the Big Ten championship game and 3 playoff games. Firmly on the NFL draft radar, his 2025 season didn’t quite live up to the billing, with Singleton struggling to generate any momentum, averaging only 45 yards per game. The former top-20 high school player now heads to the Senior Bowl to try and push his stock back into the upper echelons of the draft.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Excellent receiving back who has maintained solid production in the passing game every year he has been at Penn State. Natural hands catcher, runs some efficient angle routes and should be able to improve even further. Has even lined up in the slot and been deployed in motion across the formation.
2. Quick on short yardage with excellent acceleration and burst. Moves quickly between the tackles and can get up to top speed in a hurry, leaving defenders grasping at air.
3. High-level vision and patience to follow his blocks. Almost always makes the right read on running lanes, and trust in his acceleration allows him to move through the pack with pace.
4. When push came to shove down the stretch in their playoff run, Penn State relied on Singleton more and more. Reliable player who only fumbled once across two seasons and generally showed excellent ball security and offensive maturity.
5. Should test well from an athletic standpoint. Will appear at the Senior Bowl and should get a chance to shine. His 5-star pedigree jumps out on film and could return kicks as a rookie, adding another string to his bow.
Development Points
1. Pass blocking needs a lot of work. Tries chipping and lunges a bit, showing a real lack of fundamentals. Was not good in 2023, and while there was some improvement through the years, it is not a strength of Singleton's game.
2. Part of a backfield committee at Penn State, meaning you don't get to see him sustain performance over multiple drives. Rotated in and out so hard to gauge what workload he can carry.
3. Can run a bit upright, leaving him prone to some challenges when changing direction. Can be a bit rounded on his cut and takes a bit to get to full speed, making it a challenge to turn 15-yard runs into massive TDs.
4. Won't be a massive tackle breaker at the next level. Makes people miss with speed and quickness, doesn't run people over with power and leg drive. Outside the top 70 in yards per contact per attempt in 2024 and outside the top 250 in 2025.
5. Singleton may not measure in at his listed weight based on watching him on film. He looks smaller on tape than 6'1, and while he plays low to the ground, it may limit his capability of being a 3-down back.
Conclusion
Singleton has been part of one of the best 1-2 punches at RB for the Nittany Lions over the last 3 seasons, with both backs returning in 2025 to try and lift Penn State to a conference championship and another deep CFP run. It didn't quite go according to plan, however, both Singleton and Kaytron Allen are heading to the Senior Bowl as intriguing pro prospects. Singleton is an excellent receiving back, quick on short yardage with deceptive burst and acceleration. Doesn't sustain high speed and needs to improve in pass protection, as there are some really bad reps there on tape. While he likely won't be seen among the absolute top backs in the 2026 class, his combination of pedigree and talent should still see him coveted when the clock starts April in Pittsburgh.
Grade: 6.6/9.0 (2nd round grade)
Player Comp: Nick Chubb
Team Fits: Saints, Giants, Steelers, Vikings, Patriots