For three straight years, we’ve seen one running back after another who was more talented than his predecessor — players possessing elite talents that exuded NFL star potential: Todd Gurley in 2014; Ezekiel Elliott in 2015; Leonard Fournette in 2016.
Penn State’s Saquon Barkley bests them all.
MORE: Heisman watch: Saquon makes his statement
We haven’t been blessed to see a runner with Barkley’s talent since the mid-80s, when Barry Sanders and Bo Jackson were physically and visually unstoppable.
But Barkley’s in their rare class of generational talents in the NFL. And he’s ready to make a charge for the Heisman Trophy, lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff and take the NFL by storm. He’s a gifted runner with historic talent who's built and ready for the future of the running back position.
Open field power and grace
Against Iowa, you can choose nearly every run and see Barkley's wildly impressive open-field maneuverability on display. For a 220-plus pound running back, Barkley’s change of direction and lateral adjustments remind of LeSean McCoy and Barry Sanders, not just in their elusive nature and ability to make even NFL-level linebackers miss (like Iowa’s Joey Jewell), but also in his ability to instantly accelerate after cuts and maintain upfield trajectory.
But in today’s NFL, where Barkley’s highlight reel will continue after his Penn State time is up, it’s a running back’s ability to elude in the short area that matters most. With NFL offensive line cohesiveness and talent trending downwards, a running back’s ability to pick up chunks of yards on his own is crucial. And with a poor Nittany Lions offensive line blocking in front of him, Barkley has shown outstanding isolation running ability.
On the play below, Barkley, working off a read option with Trace McSorley, bails out of his initial off-tackle designed run to work immediately to the perimeter. Barkley’s run, which reminds of Reggie Bush’s “Heisman Moment” against Fresno State in 2006, shows him staying low to absorb contact and maintain balance, all the while eluding laterally and evading at least seven would-be tacklers.
Dominant out of the backfield
Barkley finished with 40 touches for 315 yards against Penn State, numbers that will be near impossible to top for the Penn State star the rest of the season. But Barkley, whose open-field ability and physicality on the perimeter has filled highlight reels, has become a nuanced-developed running back, especially in the passing game.
Barkley finished with 12 receptions against Iowa, nearly half of his entire reception total from 2016. Though he worked primarily on swing passes to get in isolation opportunities, this play should remind NFL fans of what vaulted Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson to the top of pre-season Fantasy Football draft boards. It shows Barkley is ready for the new age of running back responsibilities in college and the NFL.
Similar to Johnson and NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, Barkley has become a highly proficient route runner, separating clearly from future NFL linebacker Jewel and finishing away from his frame naturally. Barkley’s continued development and use as a receiver adds another dynamic for the Penn State offense to maximize their Heisman running back.
MORE: In Iowa win, Barkley proves his worth
Pass-blocking value
While not as sexy as eluding seven tackers or breaking ankles as a route runner, Barkley played a huge part in Penn State’s final drive victory — without rushing the ball once.
Few college running backs ever have the attention to detail, developed technique, and passion to become capable pass blockers. Penn State trusted Barkley so much that he served as the last line of defense for the Nittany Lions' game-deciding drive.
These three blocks, all with Penn State down 19-15 with under 2:00 left in the game, protected McSorley with a clean pocket. All plays resulted in big chunks of yards, including the final game-winning touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson. That final block is just as Heisman-worthy as any play in the team’s victory.
Barkley has long merited the respect of every Big Ten coach, and now has earned the respect of Heisman voters, leading the race based on the odds in Vegas.
But Barkley is set to earn respect, historically, as one of the best college running backs we’ve seen in 30 years. His 2017 season — likely his final at Penn State — is only just beginning. One NFL star is already showing his appreciation for Barkley’s rare talents.
Penn State fans have already crowned Barkley as a program-saving talent, a leader and running back that, along with great coaching and supporting cast, has thrust Penn State back into the national spotlight and national title discussion.
Saquon Barkley still hasn't reached his final form (CC:@KegsnEggs) pic.twitter.com/5rKp86157y
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) September 24, 2017
Let’s not wait until he’s gone to realize how gifted he is, remembering him through highlight plays. Barkley is a transcendent talent, destined for Heisman debate and NFL dominance, and we’re still seeing him get better every weekend.