Charles Power, Director of Scouting and Rankings at On3Sports.com, has named his midseason freshmen All-American team and running back Nicholas Singleton and linebacker Abdul Carter made his team.
Power’s list emphasizes the degree of contribution to their team and the ability they have shown so far this season. Singleton’s inclusion was no surprise since he was named an On3’s Preseason All-American.
Carter, on the other hand, figured to be worked in Manny Diaz’s defense slower, however, he made an impact on the defense, starting with the second game he played against Ohio.
The 6-foot-0, 220-pound Singleton has rushed for 463 yards and five touchdowns on 63 carries (7.35 average), all while splitting carries with fellow freshman blue-chip running back Kaytron Allen and Keyvone Lee. Power feels that Singleton, as well as Allen, has provided a much-needed punch to the rushing attack that has allowed Penn State to get off to a 5-0 start and be ranked No 10. nationally.
Carter, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound athlete out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has also made an impact on Penn State’s defense by making plays and filling the void left by Brandon Smith, who is now on the Carolina Panthers. Carter has recorded 18 tackles (two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a critical sack against Auburn. Carter has done this in essentially four games because he was ejected on a controversial targeting penalty in Penn State’s season-opening victory at Purdue.
There is no doubt that these two freshmen have been a big help in turning Penn State around this season and how this season’s 5-0 start feels like night and day compared to last season.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
