GLENDALE, Ariz– For fans wondering if Saquon Barkley was going to declare for the NFL Draft seconds after the conclusion of Penn State’s bowl win over Washington, the answer is no.
‘Right now I’m not even focused on that,’ Barkley said following Penn State’s 35-28 Fiesta Bowl victory over Washington. ‘Right now I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and live in the moment, spend time with my teammates, and my family was able to make it to the bowl game this year, and spend time with them. Whether it’s the day after, or whether it’s two weeks, or until the last day, I’ll make that decision when it hits me in the side of my head. I’ll go with the decision I make.’
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Jan. 15.
Earlier in the week Barkley did admit that he knows how close he is to that ultimate dream, it seems unlikely that he will return to Penn State, slotted as a first-round and potential Top 10 pick. His stock quite literally, may never be higher.
‘It’s hard because it’s right in front of you,’ Barkley said. ‘I’m human. I have taken time to think about it. I talked to [coach James] Franklin about it before the season even started. I talked to my family about it. The best way I try to deal with it is to live in the moment and appreciate the time I have here.’
Barkley’s 92-yard run was the longest bowl run in Penn State history.
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