Penn State back Nick Singleton named Big Ten newcomer of the year by AP; numerous Lions are all-conference picks
The hardware keeps piling up for Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton. A week after the Big Ten named him its freshman of the year, the Associated Press called the standout ball carrier its newcomer of the year while also placing numerous Nittany Lions on one of its all-conference teams Wednesday.
Singleton dazzled fans and viewers alike this fall. He ran for 941 yards and 10 touchdowns while doing plenty of damage in the passing game alongside class- and position-mate Kaytron Allen. That duo, combined with quarterback Sean Clifford, powered the Big Ten’s third-best statistical offense.
“I think the balance that we were able to operate with this year on the offensive side of the ball I think was obviously a big part of our success, really as a team, offense, defense and special teams, to be able to sustain drives and make big plays,” head coach James Franklin said last Sunday.
“It’s unusual to do it with a freshman, let alone two true freshmen. But both of them complemented each other really well. And, we were able to not only run the ball but I think it created more explosive plays for us. Our play action pass game, as well, you mix a little RPO in there, as well, too, I think it’s been really good. I think it’s really helped our offense. It’s helped our quarterback. I think it’s helped our offensive line. Those guys have been big-time players for us all year long. We’re going to need them at the Rose Bowl obviously, too.”
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It was not only Singleton who earned honors from the AP. Corney Joey Porter Jr., was a first-team selection. Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, and corner Kalen King, then, made the second team.
As of now, we know that Porter Jr., has opted out of the Rose Bowl matchup with the Utes. Fashanu is coming back for the 2023 season. But, it’s unclear if the injury that caused him to miss games down the stretch will keep him from the field in Pasadena. Otherwise, there has been no other opt-out news as of Wednesday afternoon.
Penn State-Utah is set for 5 p.m. in Pasadena, Calif. ABC will televise the contest. Head coach Kyle Whittingham’s team is a 2.5-point favorite before kickoff. The line is likely to ping-pong back and forth, however, until game day.
