New York Giants backup quarterback Alex Tanney says running back Saquon Barkley is becoming a leader for the organization.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took the NFL by storm in his rookie year. Rushing for 1,307 yards for 11 touchdowns, and catching 91 balls for 721 yards and four touchdowns, the young Barkley led the league with 2,028 scrimmage yards.
This propelled the Penn State product to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Pepsi Rookie of the Year, and the FedEx Ground Player of the Year.
But one thing you may not expect from any ordinary second-year player is leadership. Usually, there are guys who take a few years in the league to become a true leader for their organization.
However, Barkley is no ordinary second-year player in this league.
Speaking to Jackson White of The Register-Mail, Giants backup quarterback Alex Tanney spoke about Barkley and his new role as a leader for Big Blue.
“Almost every day in practice he does something where you look to the guy next to you and go ‘Did you see that? I’m not sure I’ve seen that before.,'” Tanney said. “He’s one of the most athletic and talented players I’ve ever been around. At the same time he’s hard working and he cares about his teammates. He’s starting to build a leadership role.”
Barkley will have to be the leader of the offense these next coming years, as Manning gears up to retire in the coming years and Odell Beckham Jr. is now a member of the Browns.
Tanney, on the other hand, could be released before the season begins. Manning and rookie Daniel Jones will make the team, with Tanney and backup quarterback Kyle Lauletta battling for the other quarterback spot. Tanney joined the Giants last season and was an emergency backup for Manning.
