With Singleton, the spring focus has been on creativity and explosiveness. Singleton is Penn State's home-run threat in the backfield, having produced five runs of 40+ yards last season.

Singleton also is motivated to help Penn State reach the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff this year and to show that he’s one of the top backs in the country.

It wasn’t the busiest of springs for Penn State sophomore runners Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and it’s easy to understand why.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Jon Singleton, the former top prospect whose comeback from three drug suspensions crescendoed last season, will not make the Houston Astros’ Opening Day roster. Manager ...