Penn State sophomore Saquon Barkley, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards this season, was named Wednesday as the Offensive Player of the Year by the Big Ten, which also recognized him as the running back of the year.
Barkley, who was named an all-Big Ten first-team selection by both Big Ten coaches and media, and a unanimous pick by media, ranks third in the conference in average yards per game with 101.6 and first in all-purpose yards, averaging 130.25 per game.
Barkley is the fourth Penn State player to be named Offensive Player of the Year, and the first since Michael Robinson in 2005. He is the first Penn State player and the first sophomore to win the award as the conference's top running back.
Other Penn State players to be honored on all-Big Ten teams for offense were quarterback Trace McSorley, second team by coaches and media; tight end Mike Gesicki, second team by media, honorable mention by coaches; wide receiver Chris Godwin, third team by media, honorable mention by coaches, and center Brian Gaia, honorable mention by coaches and media.
