Penn State is getting one of the best running backs in the 2022 class when the Early Signing Period opens on Wednesday. Nick Singleton, a Pennsylvania native, has been committed to the Nittany Lions since July. They know his talent.

On Tuesday, they found out something new about the tailback: he’s the Gatorade National Player of the Year.

And to make the announcement even more special for the Gov. Mifflin (Pa.) High star, former Penn State All-American running back Saquan Barkley surprised him with the award.

Singleton is a 4-star back in the 247 Composite, which combines rankings across multiple outlets for a cumulative look, but he’s 247 Sports’ No. 1 ranked back and a top-20 player in his class. Semantics aside, his production has been huge for the Mustangs.

The 6-foot, 210-pound back set Berks County records with 6,326 yards and 116 touchdowns over the course of his career. This season, he rushed for 2,059 yards and 44 touchdowns, leading the Mustangs to a 10-1 record, the Berks Football League Section 1 title, and the District 3 Class 5A championship game.

He’s the first Pennsylvania player to win the Gatorade national award since Ron Powlus in 1992. Singleton plans to sign with Penn State on Wednesday.