{"id":728744,"date":"2026-02-04T12:33:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T12:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/728744\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T12:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T12:33:18","slug":"senior-bowl-interview-rb-nick-singleton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/728744\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Bowl interview: RB Nick Singleton"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Arizona Cardinals were not on offense last year. Why? Too many issues with the offensive line, top receivers hurt, and both of their starting running backs ended up on IR. It was ridiculous of the number of starting-caliber players Arizona had on IR.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.revengeofthebirds.com\/arizona-cardinals-draft\/87323\/senior-bowl-interview-ot-max-iheanachor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RELATED: OT MAX IHEANACHOR INTERVIEW<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Starter James Conner signed an extension back in November of 2024 which keeps him on the roster in the 2026 season. Trey Benson will return at some point after undergoing arthroscopic surgery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">To be fair, will either of these running backs be the same guy before they became injured? Will any speed or cutting ability be lost? Do the Cardinals want either to return?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Senior Bowl had numerous blue-chip running backs, including Penn State\u2019s Nick Singleton. But Singleton had a setback. He broke his foot during Thursday\u2019s Senior Bowl practice. He will undergo surgery early next week in Birmingham, Alabama. He suffered a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton was having a great week of practice and was projected as one of the top five running backs available in this year\u2019s NFL Draft. During this past season, he broke both of former Penn State RB Saquon Barkley\u2019s all-time football touchdown records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">His plan now is to go to the Combine and perform all the tests that NFL teams put athletes through, but he will not be able to participate in drills. The healing timeline is about four months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Make no mistake, he is a very exceptional player, smart, and community-driven.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Before his injury, Revenge of the Birds staff writer Barry Shuck was able to interview Singleton.<\/p>\n<p>RB Nate Singleton (6\u2019-0\u201d, 224 pounds)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: You shared the backfield with Kaytron Allen this past year. What is it like knowing you aren\u2019t going to be the main back each week?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: We felt we were the best duo in the nation. We had each other\u2019s backs and were roommates. Those dynamics were really good throughout the whole year. We are always trying to pump each other up and show love for each other. It was always competition, but we were competing and helping each other.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/playeroftheyear.gatorade.com\/winner\/nick-singleton\/38775\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LINK: GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: You were the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year after rushing for 2,043 yards with 165 carries and 41 rushing touchdowns. You also maintained a 3.51 GPA. What\u2019s that story, and how did you find out? <\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: I got a Zoom call from Saquon Barkley. I had already committed to Penn State. I thought we were just going to chill. But he said to me, \u201cYou know you are the National Gatorade Football Player of the Year? You know that?\u201d And it took me by surprise, and it didn\u2019t sink in. Then, the crowd behind started to cheer and clap, and I just busted out in a big smile and really didn\u2019t know what to say. And all my friends and family are cheering me, then I was handed the trophy right there with Barkley still on Zoom. I still didn\u2019t know what to say. It didn\u2019t get any bigger than that in high school sports. And after Barkley congratulated me and asked me how I was feeling, I just muttered some words because I couldn\u2019t speak and was very emotional.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.revengeofthebirds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/133\/2026\/02\/imagn-26024103.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"1624\" data-pswp-width=\"2439\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/imagn-26024103.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dan Rainville \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: How is your pass protection?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: In practices we have many drills where we run and catch out of the backfield. But most of the time, we are doing blocking drills. If you are a running back at Penn State, you end up knowing how to be an excellent blocker. That makes you a complete back, keeping my hands inside and just doing the technique. There is a mental part and a physical part. You have to have both. Once you get that first hit out of the way, you will feel good about it and builds your confidence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: How do you like to run?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: I can run any scheme: outside zone, gap scheme, inside zone, or mid-zone. I love it. But I do feel that if I get outside, no one can catch me. The mid-zone being patient, I can hit it either way through the \u201cA\u201d gap or the \u201cB\u201d gap and let your blocks develop. It doesn\u2019t really matter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: You and Kaytron ran behind 330-pound offensive guard Vega Ioane, who is projected as a mid-first-round draft pick. What was it like running behind him?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: He\u2019s really good. Once you get in his way, he is going to run your ass over. We love Vega. He\u2019s a big energy guy. Whoever gets him will be happy and will solve one offensive line problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: How would you describe your game?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: I am a complete back and a complete player. I have good hands and am willing to catch the ball. I am a great blocker. I can make tackles on special teams. I came to the Senior Bowl to showcase my physicality. I\u2019m just blessed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: Penn State fired its head coach during the season. How did that affect the remainder of the year?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: Everybody was down, but we all got together. We were all upset, but we still had games to play and pulled together as a team. We lost the next three games trying to find our identity, then we had a run of four wins.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shuck: What will NFL coaches and scouts be saying about you when they leave the Senior Bowl?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Singleton: That I can do everything a good running back should be doing. But you have to stay humble and compete. My speed is my Number 1 gift from God. I stay in the weight room to help that increase. The biggest thing I need to work on is being patient and let each play develop on its own.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Arizona Cardinals were not on offense last year. Why? Too many issues with the offensive line, top&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":728745,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2078],"tags":[375,390,2757,2604,1327,7,6],"class_list":{"0":"post-728744","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arizona-cardinals","8":"tag-arizona","9":"tag-arizona-cardinals","10":"tag-arizona-cardinals-draft","11":"tag-arizonacardinals","12":"tag-cardinals","13":"tag-football","14":"tag-nfl"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116012384864035554","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/728744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=728744"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/728744\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/728745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=728744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=728744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=728744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}