‘MOTOR’ REVVED FOR NFL
Singletary declares for draft after leading country in rushing TDs
Florida Atlantic’s all-time leading rusher is bound for the NFL.
Junior running back Devin “Motor” Singletary announced on Twitter on Wednesday morning he is declaring early for the NFL draft.
Singletary, a Deerfield Beach native who attended American Heritage-Delray, finishes his college career with 4,287 rushing yards and 66 rushing touchdowns over three seasons. He is sixth on 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. the Football Bowl Subdivision’s all-time rushing touchdowns list with 66.
A junior season in which he ran for 1,348 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns earned him second-team All-American honors by Sporting News on Tuesday. The 22 were good
enough to lead the FBS heading into bowl season. As a sophomore, Singletary went for another nation-leading total of 33, which was thirdmost for a single season.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family and coaches, I have decided to enter the NFL Draft,” Singletary wrote in a letter titled “Dear Owl Nation” that he posted on Twitter. “I hope I left a lasting impression on The University, football program, and the entire community.
“As I take the next step in to my career I will continue to represent FAU in the right way and you will forever be in my heart.”
Singletary’s
FAU coaches, letter thanked training staff, professors, teammates and fans. He wrote: “I’m an Owl for life and staying home is one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
The decision was one many expected from Singletary as a prolific running back that likely didn’t have much more to prove dominating Conference USA, combined with the short shelf life of pro running backs compared to other positions — due to the constant beating they take.
Singletary becomes the second player in Owls football history to declare early for the draft. Just a week earlier, redshirt junior wide receiver Jovon Durante announced he would forego his senior season to go to the NFL. Singletary is projected as an earlier pick.
NFL mock draft site WalterFootball ranks Singletary as the eighth-best running back eligible for the upcoming draft, saying he could go between Rounds 2-4. The highest-drafted player to come out of FAU, which has had seven drafted in total, was cornerback D’Joun Smith, who went 65th in the 2015 draft to the Indianapolis Colts.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. does not list Singletary among his top 10 running back prospects for 2019, but CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso calls him “the premier sleeper running back prospect.”
Former Seminole Ridge standout Kerrith Whyte, who had 1,026 scrimmage yards (866 rushing) this season spelling Singletary, will likely lead the Owls backfield in 2019, his senior season.