Penn State RB Saquon Barkley To Forgo Senior Year, Enter NFL Draft
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STATE COLLEGE (KDKA/AP) -- Just one day after a Fiesta Bowl victory, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley announced he plans to enter the 2018 NFL draft.
Barkley posted a photo on his Instagram account Sunday evening with a statement thanking "Penn State Nation" for their support.
"God has blessed me with the opportunity to pursue the dream I have had since I was a little kid of playing in the NFL," Barkley said.
Farewell Penn State, thank you for everything! #WeAre ????
A post shared by Saquon Barkley (@sb_xxvi) on
The statement goes on to say, "After lots of thought, prayer and conversation with those closest to me, I have decided to forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft."
Barkley also says he plans to obtain a Penn State degree in the future.
Barkley ran for 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns this season and had 52 catches for 642 yards. He also completed two passes - one for a score - and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
On Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, he ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns and caught seven passes for 38 yards in the No. 9 Nittany Lions' 35-28 victory over No. 12 Washington.
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