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Penn State Football: Saquon Barkley’s NFL jersey is already popular

By Barry Leonard Jr.

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Former Penn State football star already owns the top-selling NFL jersey. 

Running back Saquon Barkley has yet to play a down in the NFL, but he’s already one of its most popular players in the league. Barkley was drafted as the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants after deciding to forego his senior season in Happy Valley.

He was the highest running back selected since Trent Richardson was taken No. 3 overall in 2012. The last running back taken with the No. 2 pick was Reggie Bush in 2006.

Barkley brings a lot of hype with him to the NFL and is set to settle in as the top man in the backfield for the Giants. He will begin the year with a good chance of winning Rookie of the Year honors.

The Giants finished last season ranked No. 26 in total team rushing with an average of just 96.8 yards per game.

Due to all the excitement surrounding Barkley’s talent, the sale of his jersey has been very popular. Not only has Barkley’s jersey outsold fellow rookies, he has quickly become the most popular player in the league.

According to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Jersey Report, Bakley has the top-selling jersey among all NFL players over the last 30 days. Barkley’s No. 26 Giants jersey is the most popular of the season so far.

Carson Wentz, Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, and Mitch Trubisky round out the top five of jersey sales over the last 30 days. Among rookies, No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield, sits second behind Barkley.

During his three seasons with the Nittany Lions, Barkley put up fantastic numbers and proved to be one of the best playmakers in the nation. His ability to sing, juke, and leap over opponents made him very exciting to watch.

Barkley showed the ability in college to bust a big play at any given moment.

Not only is Barkley a talented runner, he’s capable of being a dangerous receiver out of the backfield and even proved to be a talented kick returner.

He racked up 3,706 rushing yards in college with 41 rushing touchdowns and averaged nearly six yards per carry. As a receiver, Barkley made 95 receptions for 1,157yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, he began two games (Indiana and Ohio State) with thrilling kickoff returns.

Next: Penn State 2018 Player Profile: LB Koa Farmer

If his success in college and his work effort are any indications, Barkley is set for a long and successful career in the NFL, meaning that the popularity of his jersey should only continue to grow.

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