Penn State Football: Saquon Barkley delaying decision on NFL Draft

For now, all Penn State running back Saquon Barkley wants to think about is the Fiesta Bowl and a date with Washington.

Barkley, who is expected to be a high draft choice should he elect to enter the NFL Draft this spring, will put off any decision until after Saturday’s game.

In fact, it might be even longer than that for the star back.

“Whenever it hits me. It could be the day after (the bowl) I know I’m going to stay or going to leave. It could be the last day (to enter the draft),” Barkley said. “It’s hard because it’s right in front of you. I’m human. I have taken time to think about it. I talked to (Coach James) Franklin about it before the season even started. I talked to my family about it.

“The best way I try to deal with it is to live in the moment and appreciate the time I have here.”

Barkley sprinted out of the gates to become the early favorite for the Heisman Trophy, an award which went to Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. He finished his junior season with 1,134 yards and 21 total touchdowns, offering NFL teams a back that can run you over, catch passes and return kicks.

While several players – both this year and last – have skipped played in bowl games to remain healthy for the NFL, Barkley said that is something that never crossed his mind. But he understands why some have done that, including former Stanford running back and current Carolina Panther Christian McCaffrey.

“Sometimes in life you have to make a selfish decision and do what’s best for you,” he said. “How can you bash a player for wanting to sit out or do what’s best for him and his family?”

Barkley has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each of his three seasons with Penn State. He ran for 1,496 yards last year and scored 18 touchdowns following a 1,076-yard, seven-touchdown season as a freshman.

This past year, Barkley ran for 211 yards in a win over Iowa, going over 100 yards in wins for the Nittany Lions vs. Akron, Michigan and Nebraska.

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Barkley also had 47 receptions and 594 yards this past year to go along with his 1,134 yards on the ground.