James Franklin reacts to resurgence of Saquon Barkley's career

Penn State head coach James Franklin is enjoying watching Saquon Barkley having a resurgence with the Philadelphia Eagles. While speaking to reporters ahead of Penn State’s game against Maryland, Franklin shared his reaction to Barkley emerging as one of the top players in the NFL for the 2024 season.

“It’s a couple things, it’s an example of he’s at a really good place, really well-run organization, arguably the best o-line coach in the NFL (Jeff Stoutland), behind arguably one of the best offensive lines,” Franklin said. “We all knew that given the opportunity and put in a favorable situation, he’d have a chance to maximize it.

“I think the other thing with him that the Eagles are learning, and I talked to them about is just as good of a player he is, he’s just as good, if not a better teammate. That’s unusual, so to have that type of guy in your locker room and that type of leader and that type of presence on your team, it’s a force multiplier in a lot of ways. I’m not surprised.”

Franklin went on to say he’s only watched highlights of Barkley this year since he hasn’t watched an Eagles game. He also mentioned that he has contacted the former Penn State star via text.

James Franklin shares more on Saquon Barkley

“Not surprised,” Franklin stated. “Proud, happy and it’s also cool that he’s doing it here. It’d be cool if he was doing it on the West Coast, but it’s even cooler he’s doing it right here in his backyard. There’s a huge crossover contingent of Penn State fans and Eagles fans, which is cool. I’m just happy for him and the Eagles organization. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Saquon Barkley played for James Franklin at Penn State from 2015 to 2017. During his time with the Nittany Lions, Barkley was named the Big Ten MVP twice and a consensus All-American in 2017. He was selected by the New York Giants No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in six seasons.

In March of this year, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles. In 11 games, the 27-year-old has rushed for a league-leading 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns on 223 carries. This week, Barkley was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 255 yards and two scores in the Sunday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams.