Jim Wyatt

SANTA CLARA, Calif.Titans running back Nick Singleton busted through the hole and into daylight in back-to-back practices in Nashville in the past week, before racing toward the end zone.

With no tackling allowed in training camp, officials ruled Singleton down, but it was easy to question whether the talented rookie would have scored.

Singleton simply smiled when asked about it.

Then on Tuesday, in a practice with the 49ers, Singleton had more success. He scored on one run near the goal line, and he had several other impressive carries.

On Thursday, when the Titans face the 49ers in the preseason opener, Singleton will really get to show what he's all about at the NFL level, when tackling will finally be a thing again.

Those around him have already been impressed by what they've seen.

"Personality-wise, he fits the culture that we are trying to build around here," Titans running backs coach Randy Jordan said of Singleton. "He is all about work, all about football. He has a very serious demeanor.

"In terms of what I've seen athletically, he has the ability to find green grass. He's a patient runner, and it's almost like he has a rocket on his back when he hits it. Downhill, physical presence. I am excited to see what he can do when you actually have to tackle him."

Quarterback Cam Ward likes Singleton's style as well.

"He is real explosive," Ward said. "He is a patient runner, he sees the gap and he hits it hard, and he's a great teammate. He's not a rah-rah guy, but every time he steps on the field, he has the right mindset. He is capable of being a great player for us. He is getting way better at the protection scheme of the pass game.

"When his number is called, he is going to be sure to do what he does."

A fifth-round pick of the Titans in the 2026 NFL Draft, Singleton was a hard man to tackle in college.

In four seasons at Penn State, Singleton ran for 3,461 yards and 45 rushing touchdowns while also catching 102 passes for 987 yards and nine more scores. Singleton set the all-time Penn State records with career touchdowns and all-purpose yards (5,586), and he became the first Big Ten player with 5,000 all-purpose yards and 50-plus touchdowns since Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor (2017-19) and joined Saquon Barkley as the only Nittany Lion to do so.

But it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Singleton.

During the pre-draft process a year ago, Singleton broke a bone in his foot during Senior Bowl practices. As a result, he also missed the NFL Combine, and he wasn't able to take part in his Pro Day.

And, in all likelihood, it caused his draft stock to slide.

Singleton, whose dream of making it to the NFL started while playing Mighty Mite football as a seven-year old, admits the injury was initially tough to accept.

"The timing was bad," he said. "It was hard."

Singleton said family and friends kept his mood up, and he was buoyed by their support.

"They rallied behind me," he said. "After about a week, I felt better."

The Titans drafted Singleton 165th overall, and felt like they got a steal.

After being slowed earlier in the offseason, Singleton has picked up confidence each practice, and with each practice he's shown more encouraging signs.

Singleton is a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and he's glad to be in Tennessee.

"Control what you can control," he said. "I am blessed to be here with the Titans, they have been treating me like family, and I can't wait to keep working and keep competing with the guys."

The Titans are looking forward to seeing more from Singleton, who is learning from the veterans.

Each day, he's aiming to prove he belongs.

His no-nonsense approach has impressed those around him.

"He's probably one of the most serious guys I've coached, beside Adrian Peterson," Jordan said. "He's all about going to work. I think he has the potential to be good, and he's putting in the work to be good. I always tell those guys you are only as good as your last practice, and putting one foot in front of the other. If he continues to have that attitude, and continues to grow, there is no reason why he shouldn't be a good player in this league."