Penn State’s Saquon Barkley Enters the NFL Draft

Penn State’s junior running back Saquon Barkley, the early season leader for the Heisman Trophy, will enter the 2018 NFL draft.

His decision, which came as no surprise, was announced Sunday, a day after he rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the No. 9 Nittany Lions’ 35-28 victory over No. 11 Washington in the Fiesta Bowl, raising his season rushing totals to 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns. After the game he took a victory lap around half the stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Barkley, who is from Coplay, Pa., is generally considered the No. 1 running back in the NFL draft and should go no lower than sixth. In a statement released by the school, Barkley said he hopes he “left a lasting impression” in Happy Valley.

The versatile back finished his three year career for 3,843 career rushing yards, finishing just 90 yards shy of the program’s all-time mark A unanimous All American in 2017, Barkley leaves Penn State with the school’s all time touchdowns record. He is State’s all-time all purpose yards leader and is one of just three Big Ten players ever to total over 5,000 yards in rushing and receiving.

Miles Sanders is expected to take over for Barkley next season after rushing for 203 yards in 31 carries in 2017. The Lions have also signed five star running back Ricky Slade from Woodbridge, Va.