Before becoming one of the most sought-after running backs in the NFL, Saquon Barkley gained recognition while playing college football at Penn State. A native of Coplay, Pennsylvania, Barkley quickly established himself as one of the most explosive and versatile players in college football. His time at Penn State was filled with record-breaking performances, prestigious awards, and unforgettable moments, hence, he is known as one of the greatest players in the program’s history.
Saquon Barkley’s College Stats And Records
Barkley played three seasons (2015-2017) at Penn State, amassing incredible stats and setting multiple school records. Over 38 career games, he rushed for 3,843 yards on 671 carries and scored 43 rushing touchdowns. He was also a great receiver, catching 102 passes for 1,195 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he made an impact on special teams, recording two kickoff return touchdowns. In total, Barkley accounted for 5,538 all-purpose yards, the most in Penn State history.
His best statistical season came in 2016 when he rushed for 1,496 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 402 receiving yards and four more scores. He followed that up with another stellar campaign in 2017, rushing for 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns while setting Penn State’s single-season record for receptions (54) and receiving yards (632) by a running back. That same year, he recorded a school-record 358 all-purpose yards in a game against Iowa. His impact went beyond individual statistics as he helped lead Penn State to a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and a victory over Washington in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.
Awards, Achievements, And Draft Recognition
Barkley’s dominance earned him numerous accolades. He was named a Consensus All-American in 2017 and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting that same year. He won the Paul Hornung Award for the nation’s most versatile player and was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017). Additionally, he was a two-time winner of the Big Ten Running Back of the Year award and also received the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year honor in 2017.
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Saquon Barkley holds Penn State’s school records for career rushing touchdowns (43), total touchdowns (53), and all-purpose yards (5,538). He also ranks second in career rushing yards (3,843) and career scoring (318 points). His 92-yard touchdown run in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl remains tied for the longest rushing play in school history.
Barkley’s success in college made him one of the most highly regarded prospects entering the 2018 NFL Draft. The New York Giants selected him with the second overall pick, making him the highest-drafted running back since Reggie Bush in 2006. After several seasons with the Giants, Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing his talent back to Pennsylvania, where his football journey first took off.
