Penn State sophomore offers advice for an estimated 120 youngsters at his free clinic.
The awestruck children gathered around the star attraction Sunday when the second Nick Singleton Football Clinic was cut short because of approaching storm clouds at Gov. Mifflin Stadium.
The estimated 120 boys and girls — more than twice as many who attended last year — were there to receive football advice from Singleton, the former Mustangs great and Penn State sophomore, to get his autograph or pose for a photo with him.
“One of the kids said, ‘Oh, my God, it’s Nick Singleton and he shook my hand,’ ” he said. “You know how little kids are. I was star-struck, too, when I was their age.”
Singleton, the 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, was clearly at ease during the free two-hour clinic, which was sponsored by Gatorade. He seemed to enjoy being around the kids and interacting with them.
“It’s unbelievable how he’s grown from last year to this year,” said Mifflin coach Jeff Lang. “He doesn’t like to stand and talk to an entire group. But when you watch him go from group to group, throwing the ball to the kids, giving them handoffs and talking to them, it’s unbelievable.”
Singleton has gained much confidence in the last year. He enjoyed a sensational freshman season, rushing for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns and making seven runs of at least 40 yards, third in the nation. He’s been named to a couple preseason All-America teams.
He was home and relaxed Sunday in Shillington surrounded by his family, friends and coaches.
“It means a lot to be here, where it all started,” Singleton said. “Being back here in my community means a lot to me. I want to keep giving back to the community. I’ve been in their shoes. I want to give back to them.”
In conjunction with the clinic, Gatorade donated $12,500 to the Mifflin Broncos youth football and cheerleading program and $12,500 to the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County.
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