Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Nicholas Singleton

While Penn State and Notre Dame haven’t faced off on the field since 2007, the programs have gone to battle over many top-ranked recruits over the years.

Running back Nicholas Singleton was one of those players who was heavily recruited by both programs. He ultimately chose to be in University Park, a decision that has paid off well for him thus far.

“It was a good visit, coaches were nice and the team was all nice,” Singleton recalled in a Zoom with reporters. For him, the decision was about more than just the pleasantries between the coaches and other players, it was the family atmosphere at Penn State.

“Penn State treated me like family ever since I went up as a recruit,” Singleton said. “They treated my family like family.” The family atmosphere endeared him to Penn State, as did wanting to put on the blue and white. But the development of running backs historically also played a big factor in Singleton’s decision. “It was an easy choice, too,” Singleton said. “Just a tradition of how the running backs have been produced here.” “It’s close to home, and just being from PA, there’s no other place to be so that really came down to that,” Singleton said. Singleton and his Penn State teammates take on the Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals Thursday at 7:30.