Penn State has grown a lot as a program over the last few years.

Having James Franklin leading the way has certainly helped. One of Franklin’s guys, that a season ago was making remarkable play after remarkable play, was RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley was special coming out of college.

Nobody could question that.

That’s why the do-it-all back was selected No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Some thought the Giants would select a QB for the future. Those that thought that were wrong, and the Giants may have ended up with the best pure talent in the draft.

Barkley has rushed for 954 yards and 8 TD in his rookie year so far, while also catching 74 passes for 602 yards and another 4 TD. With his effort, and his likeability playing a factor as well, it was announced on Thursday that Barkley sits at No. 4 in Pro Bowl voting.

The only players being voted more than Barkley are Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes and Todd Gurley.

Not bad company for a rookie.