Penn State football: What landing 4-Star RB Nicholas Singleton means for Nittany Lions

Penn State football continuing a great RB tradition

Penn State has always been considered one of the best producers of running backs in the country.

James Franklin has taken that a step further and has not only developed running backs but has developed in-state talent at the position.

The last three big-name running backs to play for Penn State all have something in common, they were from Pennsylvania.

The first was Saquon Barkley. The Whitehall, Pa standout turned into one of the best running backs in the country during his three years at Penn State. He accumulated 5,038 yards from scrimmage with 51 touchdowns. He added another two scores via kickoff return.

Barkley was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft.

Following Barkley was his backup, Pittsburgh area product Miles Sanders.

From 2016 to 2018, Sanders ran the ball 276 times for the Nittany Lions, tallying 1,649 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was the starter in 2018 and had 1,274 rushing yards with nine scores. He turned that season into a second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019.

After Sanders left, there was some concern on who would pick up the slack at running back. Once again, there was a Pennsylvania native there to fill the void.

Journey Brown did not start the 2019 season as the starter for Penn State, but injuries and lack of performance from other running backs thrust Brown into the spotlight.

In only 129 carries, Brown collected 890 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He is best remembered for his historic performance in the Cotton Bowl when he rushed for 202 yards and two scores.

Unfortunately, a medical condition that was found before the 2020 season would end Brown’s football career and prevent Penn State from possibly having three running backs drafted in four years.

Singleton now has a chance to follow in the footsteps of three of the best running backs to ever play for Penn State and represent his home state.