Penn State Football: Saquon Barkley makes his NFL decision

In a decision most anticipated, Penn State football’s star running back Saquon Barkley declares early for the NFL draft.

It has been a great three years for running back Saquon Barkley at Penn State. Many highlight reel plays to go along with a Big Ten championship and a Fiesta Bowl win. However he has made his decision to leave Penn State a year early and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

What a career it has been for the talented back from Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. He finishes with 3,843 career rushing yards, just 89 yards short of Evan Royster, the school’s all time leader rusher. The difference is Royster had four years to top the list. Barkley amassed the total in just three years. He leads in career touchdowns all time at the school with 43 scores.

Barkley collected numerous All-American honors in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He twice earned the Big Ten running back and offensive player of the year awards in both of those same seasons. While showing his ability to return kickoffs and scoring two touchdowns this past season, he earned Big Ten specialist of the year.

Despite being a once in a generation type talent, Barkley struggled at times this past year. He had a fantastic September, becoming the Heisman front runner. But down the stretch, especially in the Nittany Lions losses against Ohio State and Michigan State, he struggled. One can put some of the blame on an offensive line still lacking depth, but it was enough to keep Barkley away from the Heisman ceremony in December. He finished fourth in the voting.

What Barkley brings to the NFL

Barkley has amazing talent that translates well to the next level. The skills he possesses have been making NFL scouts salivate. He has the speed, the size, and the elusiveness to have a great pro career.

Out of all the many highlights from his career at Penn State, my personal favorite was his 79 yard run in last season’s Rose Bowl where he made USC defenders look silly (video courtesy of NittanyEagles).

If the talent was not enough, Barkley has the personality, humbleness, and leadership qualities that NFL teams are looking for. He seems like a genuine good guy, on and off the field. Any NFL team would be lucky to have him.

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As for the actual NFL draft, Barkley looks like he will be a top 5 pick for sure. With the Cleveland Browns owning two of the first five picks, Cleveland is a likely destination. But he could also end up a New York Giant or Indianapolis Colt as those teams look to rebuild.

Regardless of the NFL destination for Barkley, Penn State fans will never forget him. He will always be one of the best players to ever put on the blue and white.