Senior Gameday Program Feature - Duron Singleton
10/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Duron Singleton
by Ben Yarrington, Mizzou Strategic Communications
For Duron Singleton, a relentless desire for improvement is the key to his success. Heading to junior college before joining the Mizzou Football program prior to the 2013 season, Singleton has faced a long journey to get to this point. The senior from New Orleans, La., expects his extensive experience and unyielding work ethic to provide a spark to the 2014 Tigers squad.
As a senior All-District linebacker for Helen Cox High School, Singleton led his team to the state championship playoffs. After finishing his high school career, Singleton chose to enroll at Fresno City Community College to further his education, as well as to draw more interest from Division I football programs.
Singleton credits his time at community college as a major growing opportunity for him.
"It helped me find out who I was, and it helped me find out things that I needed to work on and get better at, to prepare me for the next level," said Singleton.
After two successful years at the junior college level, Singleton decided he was ready for the next step.
In 2012, Singleton was rated as the No. 1 junior college safety in the country by 247sports.com. His impressive play garnered him All-Valley Conference honors, as well as many notable offers from Division I football programs.
The familiar "home" feel of the Mizzou football program is what helped the four-star prospect make his commitment to play at The Zou.
"I love the family atmosphere here. On my visit, all the guys were great to me. The fans are great and the coaches are great," Singleton said. "The atmosphere of the whole program was just amazing."
Since joining the Mizzou program in 2012, Singleton says he has learned a lot from the coaching staff.
"They've taught me about having responsibility," Singleton said. "They have also taught me about how you can't make excuses and you have to always be responsible for your actions."
Following a season as a rotational player in the secondary, Singleton hoped his involvement last year would help him have a big impact on the 2014 season.
"Last year helped me a lot," Singleton said. "I know what I'm capable of, and I know what I have to work on. Being able to get that in-game experience under my belt really helped."
Singleton also mentioned that the turnover on Mizzou's defense from last year, and the skepticism has served as motivation for this year.
"We heard it from everybody that we were basically going to be done," Singleton said. "We know what we had, and we know who is returning this year, so we're really looking forward to showing everybody what we can do."
In order to do that, Singleton must stay healthy. After battling a few injuries last year, Singleton is hoping for an injury-free 2014 campaign. He says that though injuries can be frustrating, there are unforeseen benefits.
"It gave me a chance to sit down and look at the game from a different point of view," he said. "I could learn from different guys and different teammates. I could see how they approach the game and how they take on and process the game."
Singleton's thorough understanding of the game has helped springboard him into the 2014 season. He is currently sixth on the team in tackles, has one interception, and has scored the only defensive touchdown so far - a 60-yard fumble return against Central Florida. Singleton says that his favorite moment at Mizzou was winning the Cotton Bowl last season, but also adds, "I feel like we have a lot of time left to write an even bigger chapter, so I'm looking forward to seeing what that's going to bring."
