James Franklin says Penn State is not focused on getting Nicholas Singleton to 1,000 yards

In his first season playing for James Franklin at Penn State, running back Nicholas Singleton has burst onto the scene. To this point this season, he has 801 yards on the ground. With just two 100-yard performances, he could be a 1,000-yard rusher in just his first season in Happy Valley.

With Nicholas Singleton rapidly approaching 1,000 yards rushing this season, James Franklin was asked how important it was to reach that mark this season.

“It’s not really something that we’re focused on,” James Franklin said. “We’re focused on trying to find a way to beat Rutgers.”

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“If during that process, the guys have the ability, whether it’s Nicholas or any of the other guys, have the ability to reach or meet some individual goals, then that’s great but we’re really just focused on beating, finding a way to beat Rutgers on the road in the Big Ten and whatever comes with that as a byproduct is good.”

As James Franklin pointed out, Penn State’s next game will be at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are just 4-6 this season and are looking to try and make a bowl by winning out this season. Rutgers is 46th in the country in terms of rush defense. After Rutgers, Penn State will close at home against Michigan State. The Spartans are just 97th in the country in terms of rush defense.

Nicholas Singleton is 42nd in the country in rushing yards for individuals.

James Franklin on how Penn State has grown

James Franklin got to Penn State in 2014. He was following Bill O’Brien’s tenure, which had stabilized the program following the scandal that ended Joe Paterno’s tenure. Since then, he’s helped make the Nittany Lions one of the consistently best programs in the Big Ten.

“When we first got here, it was under very different times and very challenging times. There’s been a ton of changes,” James Franklin said.

“Penn State’s a place that isn’t used to a whole lot of changes like we’ve had the last 10 years but I’m looking forward to the direction we’re going and what we’ve done. When you look at the entire picture, I’m pretty proud. Obviously, there are some things that we need to do better and I need to do better. But the overall body of work, I’m pretty proud of.”