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Where in the world is Penn State star running back Nick Singleton?
Singleton, who ranks sixth in the nation in yards per carry and is one half of one of the nation’s top running back tandems alongside Kaytron Allen, was notably absent from Penn State’s practice on Wednesday which media was allowed to attend.
But Penn State head coach James Franklin seemingly made matters worse when asked about Singleton’s absence.
James Franklin says we’re wasting a question by asking about RB Nick Singleton who was not spotted at the media viewing window tonight. Says there’s nothing to share at this point.
FWIW Singleton met with reporters yesterday on zoom.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) October 2, 2024
Penn State Running Back Nick Singleton Was Missing From Practice On Wednesday
“No, not at this stage,” Franklin answers when asked if Singleton’s availability on Saturday against UCLA could be affected by the absence.
When asked if he could elaborate further on the matter, Franklin said simply “no.”
Of course, speculation is often worse than reality. And Penn State quickly began to speculate and worry about Singleton’s status.
“More concerned that it wasn’t labeled a bump and bruise,” one fan wrote.
“Update on what? What does ‘not at this stage ‘ mean,” asked another. “So frustrating to hear a key part of the team isn’t at practice followed by a big goose egg response from JF. Is he leaving the program? Hurt? Resting? I’d rather not hearing speculation.”
Franklin is in his 11th season as the head coach of the Nittany Lions and has remained consistent with how he answers injury questions. If the player is out for the season or for an extended period of time, he will typically inform members of the media.
But if that player is not expected to miss time, or will miss limited time, he typically gives a vague answer.
In this case, fans didn’t even know that Singleton was injured. Or if Singleton is injured. But the speculation has quickly spiraled out of control.
On one hand, it makes sense. Singleton is a superstar and a key part of a Penn State team with playoff aspirations. On the other, fans should know better.
This is how Franklin has always handled these situations. There’s no reason to believe he’d change now.
Fans will know by the time the Nittany Lions take on UCLA at noon on Saturday. And if he’s not available, Allen is more than capable of carrying the load for Andy Kotelnicki’s unit, which ranks 11th in the nation in total offense.