Nick Singleton remains committed to Penn State, but . . . that could change

Nick Singleton was wearing a Penn State hoodie after practice Monday and talking about the fact that he’ll be taking his first college classes in less than two months. The Gov. Mifflin running back has enrolled at Penn State for the spring semester and plans to be on campus in January.

He gave his verbal commitment to play football at Penn State in July and remains rock-solid in his commitment — though it’s not 100 percent. Factors out of his control could lead him to re-open his recruitment.

There has been rampant speculation in recent months that James Franklin may not be the Nittany Lions coach after this season. He has been linked to head coaching jobs at USC, LSU, and elsewhere. He has denied interest in those jobs; some believe his aggressive agent, Jimmy Sexton, is planting those seeds in the media so that his client gains bargaining power over the university.

If Franklin were to leave Singleton said it’s possible he may not keep his commitment to Penn State. He’s hoping he doesn’t have to make such a difficult choice.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors about that,” he said of Franklin’s potential exit. “I don’t think he’ll leave, because he’s literally getting a top recruiting class. If he leaves, I don’t know if I’ll leave or not. I’ll probably stay.

“I’ll talk to my family about it, I don’t know what I’ll do. . . I have a relationship with all the coaches, not just him. I might stay, I might leave. It’s more likely I’ll probably stay.”

Singleton has developed a strong relationship with Penn State running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider. If Franklin were to leave but Seider were to stay that could sway Singleton to keep his commitment. However, when head coaches switch programs they often take a few select assistants with them. Franklin did that when he left Vanderbilt for Penn State.

Singleton has also developed relationships with other members of Penn State’s 2022 recruiting class, such as Central York quarterback Beau Pribula. The class is loaded, ranked among the top two or three in the nation, according to which list you check. He may want to be part of that even if Franklin leaves.

That recruiting class, which includes Ohio quarterback Drew Allar — considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation — Anthony Ivey of Manheim Township and Mehki Flowers of C.D. East is one reason people think Franklin would be crazy to leave.

The Nittany Lions finally have the kind of incoming talent that programs such as Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson annually collect.

“In my opinion, I don’t think he’ll leave,” Singleton said. “He’s getting a good class. I know they’re having a hard time right now but I think he’ll stay with Penn State.”

By “hard time” Singleton’s talking about Penn State losing four of its last five games and falling out of the national rankings for the first time all season. The Nittany Lions were as high as No. 4 in early October.

If Penn State loses its season finale to Michigan State, finishes 7-5 and ends up in a backwater bowl game Franklin may be eager to move on, super recruiting class in his back pocket or not.

This could get really sticky for Singleton and the other recruits. The NCAA early signing period is Dec. 15-17. What if Singleton signs his letter National Letter of Intent and Franklin bolts a few days later? Many coaches leave during bowl season.

Technically Singleton would be committed to Penn State, though the school could choose to let him out of it. Or, he could leave via the transport portal.

For now, Singleton is focused on the task at hand: Beating Spring Grove in a District 3 Class 5A semifinal Friday and winning a second straight District 3 title. Everything else is on the back burner.

He’s excited about the prospect of starting his college career soon. By being on campus he’ll be able to start training with the football team, start learning the playbook and take part in spring drills and the annual Blue-White Game. That’ll put him in position to get on the field in 2022; some believe he’ll contend for the starting tailback job.

All exciting stuff.

“It’s gonna be a real big change, but it should be fine,” he said of starting college early. “I have players up there that’ll help me out. It’s not intimidating, because I have a relationship with all of them; they’ll help me a lot.”

Singleton’s plans are to play in the All-American Bowl Jan. 8 in San Antonio, then fly to Penn State and start classes Jan. 10.

Exciting as that all sounds he’ll be missing some things. By skipping his final semester of high school it means he’s giving up his senior track season.

As a junior Singleton recorded a personal best 10.89. He finished second in the Firing Meet in 11.32 and fourth in the District 3 Class 3A finals in 10.97. He was also fourth at the Firing Meet in the shot put and the 200, and he earned all-division honors running with Mifflin’s 400 relay.

“I know I’m gonna miss my friends,” he said. “I’ve known these people for so long; leaving them . . . I’m gonna feel bad. It’s gonna be a hard time, but I know I’ll be fine.”