Penn State Football: Three reasons why Nick Singleton will breakout in 2022

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Penn State freshman running back Nicholas Singleton runs with the ball after catching a screen pass during the 2022 Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 042322 Bluewhite /

2. Something Different

Nick Singleton brings something a little different to Penn State’s running back room.

While Lee and fellow freshman Kaytron Allen are between-the-tackles power runners, Singleton is a burner. He has home run potential speed that can take the top off a defense.

Speed like this is something Penn State lacked in 2021, which was one of the many reasons the running game struggled last year. When your running backs are up-the-middle power runners and you have a struggling offensive line, things are not going to turn out well.

With Singleton, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich can get him out in space, outside of the hashes and let his speed take over. Even if the offensive line struggles in 2022, Singleton’s athleticism and speed will still make him a factor, much like Saquon Barkley back in 2016-17.

Singleton will also benefit from splitting touches with two bruisers in Lee and Allen. Those two are bound to tire a defense out with their physical play, meaning defenders will be gassed when the speedy Singleton is back there. This increased the likelihood of Singleton breaking free on his runs for big gains.

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