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Penn State Football: 2017 position grades vs Nebraska

By Collin Wieder

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a leaping touchdown reception above the hands of Chris Weber #49 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions makes a leaping touchdown reception above the hands of Chris Weber #49 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

There are no more words that I can say to do Saquon Barkley’s performances justice. He’s the best, which everyone already knows. Regardless of my struggle to find words to describe his artistry on the football field, he gave Happy Valley possibly one final home performance to remember. I say that assuming he’ll declare for the NFL Draft at the end of the season.

Either way, he never ceases to amaze or inspire the Penn State football team. His blend of speed, acceleration, power, balance, soft hands and blocking is a rare find. So rare, I can’t remember anyone within the last 10 years like him.

It’s not just the physical traits either. Barkley can also lead and that’s why his postgame comments about playing in the bowl game mean so much (article courtesy of 247Sports).

Moving on to other backs, Miles Sanders did some nice things and looks the part as the starter next year. There’s plenty to be excited about after Barkley leaves. This team carries a lot of depth next to McSorley and that bodes well for a 2018-2019 season filled with title aspirations.

Grade: A+

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