Saquon Barkley’s HS retiring his number, and Penn State Football Should Too!

Former Penn State Football star running back Saquon Barkley will have his number retired by the Whitehall High School Zephyrs

Saquon Barkley’s high school will be retiring his number during a ceremony at a game this fall, and Penn State Football should follow suit.

The Whitehall High School Zephyrs announced a halftime ceremony at their September 10th home game vs Liberty High School (Bethlehem, PA) where they will retire Saquon Barkley’s No. 21 number (along with, ironically, another Nittany Lions legend Matt Millen and Super Bowl champion Dan Koppen).

"“Saquon’s career through high school, college and the NFL has been on the same path as Matt and Danny, Whitehall AD Bob Hartman stated. “We are looking forward to an amazing night hosting Saquon, his family, friends and coaches.”"

Barkley averaged a ridiculous eight yards per carry running through his District XI competition (which includes state powerhouses like Bethlehem Catholic, Easton and Parkland, who had previously honored another Nittany Lion running back, Austin Scott).  Barkley finished with 61 touchdowns, which included a kickoff return, a punt return and even an interception return.

Should Penn State Football  follow Whitehall’s path and retire Saquon Barkley’s 26?

Barkley is easily one of the best running back’s in a program chalk full of success (look no further than Barkley’s New York Giants‘ in-division rival, the Eagles to see Miles Sanders).

But Penn State Football takes a bit of a difference stance than say the New York Yankees when it comes to retiring numbers.  In 2013, Penn State retired their first and only number, that of their only Heisman winner John Cappelletti.

Cappelletti — 519 carries, 2,639 yards, 29 rushing touchdowns

Barkley — 617 carries, 3,843 yards, 43 rushing touchdowns

Perhaps 26 will join 22 soon in the Nittany Lion retired number pantheon.