Saquon Barkley reacts to James Franklin hiring at Virginia Tech: 'Wish him nothing but success'

After Penn State fired James Franklin, former Nittany Lions star Saquon Barkley expressed his surprise with the decision. Now that Franklin is heading to Virginia Tech, Barkley expressed his excitement.

Barkley shared his reaction to Franklin’s hiring in Blacksburg after 12 years in Happy Valley. The Philadelphia Eagles star played for Penn State from 2015-17 before becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Speaking with reporters Friday, Barkley wished Franklin the best at Virginia Tech and reflected on their relationship. However, he knows where his heart lies if Penn State ever takes on the Hokies.

“Happy for him,” Barkley said, via The Athletic’s Zach Berman. “The way I look at it is James Franklin’s a guy who, I had offers – probably had like three or four offers – but I wasn’t really a big recruit. Him, alongside (Sean Spencer and Charles Huff) believed in me and gave me an opportunity.

“And I know for sure that I’m not sitting here right now in front of you guys answering these questions if it wasn’t for James Franklin. Excited for him and his family, wish him nothing but success, But at the same time, anytime he plays Penn State, I gotta go with Penn State.”

Franklin had a 104-45 overall record during his time at Penn State, and the 2016 season was the first of six 11-win seasons. Barkley helped lead that charge as the Nittany Lions won the Big Ten and finished ranked No. 7 in the country following a Rose Bowl appearance.

Virginia Tech officially announced Franklin’s hire earlier this week after he emerged as the top target in the search. He signed a five-year deal worth $41.8 million, the school announced Friday. Following the introductory press conference, Franklin met the Virginia Tech faithful at Wednesday’s men’s basketball game and had a strong message for those in attendance.

“We are so excited to be here,” Franklin said. “We are honored and humbled to be here. We don’t take this for granted, one minute, whatsoever. We are going to work our tails off to make you guys proud. That’s what it’s all about. I’m going to bring a staff here, and you’re not going to find a staff or a head coach that will pour their hearts and soul into this place like we will. … So let’s have this place rocking tonight to help our basketball team. Let’s make sure Lane Stadium is rocking on Saturday.

“We need you. We can’t do this by ourselves. It’s going to take an entire community pulling the rope in the same direction. Let’s take pride in our state and the football that we have and the tradition and history. I think we can do something very, very special.”