Nicholas Singleton named to watch list for the ‘most versatile player in college football’

Few individual players on the Penn State football roster come into the 2023 season with more expectations than that of Nicholas Singleton. After an historic true freshman season last fall, Singleton looks to cement his claim as one of the best running backs in college football during his upcoming sophomore campaign. Now with fall camp officially underway, Singleton is already gaining attention as one of the most dynamic players in the sport. On Thursday, Singleton was named to the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, his second such honor of the week.

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton makes Paul Hornung Award watch list

The Penn State football program announced Thursday that Nicholas Singleton had been named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, presented annually to “the most versatile player in college football.” If he were to win the award, the title of the “most versatile player” in the sport would fit Singleton well after what he accomplished last season. Named a Freshman All-American by four outlets (ESPN, FWAA, On3, and 247Sports), Singleton recorded 1,495 all-purpose yards last season, the second most among freshmen nationally.

Single🔟 → Paul Hornung Award Watch List#WeAre | @NickSingletonn pic.twitter.com/O1VYdYSUSg

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 3, 2023

Nicholas Singleton was most dangerous from the backfield in 2022. The 16th 1,000-yard rusher in Penn State history, he joined Saquon Barkley and D.J. Dozier as only the third Penn State running back to reach the milestone during their freshman seasons. Singleton also set a Penn State freshman record with 12 rushing touchdowns. However, Singleton was also effective as a kickoff return man, averaging nearly 25 yards per return last fall.

The Paul Hornung Award is the second award watch list that Singleton has been named to this week. At the start of the week, Singleton was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, which goes to the best player in college football each season.

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