Penn State running back Nick Singleton appeared to regain his burst on both offense and special teams in a 35-6 win over Washington on Saturday. But an injury that forced Singleton to exit the game after one rush in the third quarter could leave his availability in doubt ahead of a trip to Purdue this weekend.
Singleton has a “short term” injury, James Franklin said Monday. It’s an unfortunate circumstance for the Nittany Lions’ star running back who took seven carries for 45 yards and returned a kickoff for a touchdown, which was wiped due to a hold, against the Huskies. It was his most successful game dating back to an injury that left him inactive against UCLA on Oct. 5.
Franklin said reporters will have a “better idea” of Singleton’s status at Wednesday’s practice viewing session. But whether he plays against the lowly Boilermakers or not, it appears quite possible Singleton could be limited, meaning another game of increased reps for fellow starter Kaytron Allen and true freshmen Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith.
“Nick’s had some things lingering, on and off, kind of throughout the year,” Franklin said. “He’s battled through them. Kaytron is a workhorse and they compliment each other really well.”
Singleton started the season eclipsing 100 rushing yards in each of the team’s first two games and averaged 102 rushing yards per game over the first four games. Since then, he hasn’t broken 50 yards in a contest, and Allen has surpassed him as Penn State’s leading rusher. Allen rushed 20 times for 98 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.
The win over Washington also saw the emergence of Smith, who took five carries for 95 yards in his collegiate debut. Smith’s night was highlighted by a 78-yard rush that nearly resulted in a touchdown. With just one game appearance under his belt, Smith can play in each of the Nittany Lions’ final three regular season games and still retain his redshirt.
Martin, who was made available after a two-game absence due to injury, could also field some reps against the Boilermakers if Singleton is out or limited. Martin was the team’s third highest-rated recruit out of high school, and has taken eight carries for 25 yards in two game appearances this season.
“I think early on, there was a lot of talk about Quinton, and deservedly so. But I also think in the Lasch Building, there was also a lot of excitement about Corey,” Franklin said. “Different style back than probably the other three, but it was great to see him get in there.”
Izzard expected back
Penn State defensive tackle Coziah Izzard did not play against the Huskies after he was ruled questionable prior to kickoff. The Nittany Lions “expect” Izzard back this weekend, Franklin said. His return could be a major boost for an interior defensive line low on the depth after veteran defensive tackle Hakeem Beamon departed from the program last week.
“I love Hakeem, love his mom,” Franklin said. “Been probably over seven years, from the high school recruiting process and ups and downs and twists and turns and smiles and tears and everything in between. Graduated from Penn State. Very, very proud of that for him, and did a bunch of good things on the field. But he’s no longer a part of the team.”
With Beamon, a former starter who had played in all seven games this season before his exit, out of the picture, the position will revolve around Zane Durant, Dvon J-Thomas, Alonzo Ford Jr. and Izzard.
