Matthew O'Haren | Imagn Images
Name: Nicholas Singleton
Position: Running Back
Recruiting Rank: 5-Star Recruit
High School: Governor Mifflin (Shillington, PA)
College: Penn State
Captain: Yes
Measurables
Height: 6’0
Weight: 227
40 Yard: 4.39
10 Yard: Unknown
Arm Length: Unknown
Hand Size: Unknown
Vertical: Unknown
3 Cone: Unknown
Broad Jump: Unknown
Bench: Unknown
Position Specific
Positives in Pass Game:
-
Reliable hands with a growing reception total (41 catches as a junior).
-
Creates mismatches against linebackers with acceleration out of breaks.
-
Shows strong body control when adjusting to throws outside his frame.
-
Solid pass protector — squares up blitzers, willing to engage, and delivers a strong strike.
-
Can be utilized on screens and quick flares to leverage his speed in space.
Negatives in Pass Game:
-
Route tree is still limited; mostly used on check-downs, flats, and swings.
-
Can struggle to create separation against quicker defensive backs when split out wide.
-
Needs to develop more nuance in disguising his breaks against man coverage.
Positives in Run Game:
-
Home run threat every touch; recorded GPS speed over 23 mph.
-
Explosive burst through the hole with true one-cut ability.
-
Outstanding contact balance; bounces off arm tackles and maintains forward lean.
-
Improved patience as a junior, showing maturity in waiting for lanes to open.
-
Powerful lower body (655 lb squat record at PSU) helps him grind tough yards inside.
-
Versatile enough to run effectively in both zone and gap schemes.
Negatives in Run Game:
-
Occasional tunnel vision; can miss backside cutback lanes.
-
Some hip stiffness limits ability to chain multiple cuts.
-
Relies heavily on speed/power rather than creativity in space.
-
Jump cuts cover little ground, reducing open-field elusiveness.
-
Stiff arm technique inconsistent despite arm strength.
The Wrap-up
Summary: Singleton is a rare athletic talent with a proven track record of production in the Big Ten. He combines sprinter-level speed with a power back’s strength, making him one of the most dangerous big-play threats in the 2026 draft class. His development as a receiver and pass protector makes him a legitimate three-down back. While not the most elusive back in tight spaces, his explosiveness, contact balance, and straight-line acceleration consistently tilt the field in his team’s favor.
Injury Concerns: None noted.
Character/Off-Field Concerns: None noted.
Projected Role: Day-one rotational back with immediate special teams and situational value.
Strong Points:
-
Elite speed/power combination.
-
Contact balance and lower body strength.
-
Three-down versatility (runner, receiver, blocker).
-
Proven production at a high level of competition.
-
Big-game performer with strong finishing ability.
Weak Points:
-
Lacks top-tier wiggle/elusiveness.
-
Limited route diversity as a receiver.
-
Needs refinement with cutback vision and stiff arm consistency.
Exposures:
- Bowling Green (2024)
- @ Wisconsin (2024)
- Notre Dame (2024)
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
