Saquon Barkley is an incredible college football player. Penn State's star running back led the Big Ten champions while operating as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and, on Wednesday, Barkley flashed the otherworldly speed that makes him a tantalizing prospect.
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Barkley rushed for 1,496 yards and 18 touchdowns (to go along with 28 receptions for 402 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game) in 2016 and it is easy to see why given his 4.33 second time in the 40-yard dash seen above. It is important to note that, while it was timed to the best of the ability on the field, this would be a strongly unofficial performance, but it is also clear that Barkley's top-end speed is impressive.
During the 2016 NFL Draft combine, only one running posted a faster time (4.31 by former Georgia Bulldog Keith Marshall) and it feels safe to assume that Barkley's time would stand up in a big way when considering the incoming 2017 draft class. Still, Penn State fans are hoping that Barkley won't be participating in that event until after his eligibility fully expires in Happy Valley.
For now, he will enter the 2017 season as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and as, unquestionably, one of the best and most explosive ball-carriers in the country.