Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley straight up hurdles a guy on a well-designed hook and ladder play versus the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Though the No. 14 Penn State Nittany Lions are likely out of the College Football Playoff picture, they might have the frontrunner for the 2017 Heisman Trophy in junior running back Saquon Barkley. Even as Penn State has faded in recent weeks, Barkley continues to amaze with his impressive athleticism and dominating running style.
During a Week 11 home game versus the division rival Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Barkley nearly finds pay dirt on a well-designed hook and ladder play. Why did he not find pay dirt on this run? Well, because he had to jump over a guy. It was a really impressive run nonetheless.
There is almost no way that Barkley returns to State College for his senior season with the 2018 Nittany Lions. He projects as a first-round talent and likely the first running back off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley looks like instant offense in the NFL game.
kevinmcguire: Saquon Barkley with the hurdle at the end of a hook… Big Ten N… College Footb… https://t.co/TRx2R3ofO8 pic.twitter.com/pNbzWTynM9
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) November 11, 2017
It was a big third and nine play for the Nittany Lions. Going to a hook and ladder in the red zone was a bold move for Penn State head coach James Franklin. It turned out to be the right play call for the Nittany Lions. Having a player as magnificent as Barkley to execute it absolutely helps.
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It will be interesting to see how Barkley’s game translates to the NFL. Some are very high on him as a pro running back, while others question his size and durability. With guys like Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette having early success in the NFL as first-round running backs, expect Barkley to echo suit and take his talents to the profession level this spring. What a play by the best player on Penn State!