Former NFL running back Reggie Bush believes the New York Giants have undergone a changing of the guard when it comes to who is truly the face of the franchise and team leader.

While Odell Beckham Jr. took over the title in recent years from quarterback Eli Manning, who has seen his production dip in the twilight of his career, now there's a new face of the Giants -- running back Saquon Barkley -- at least according to Bush.

“He was the best player on that football team without a doubt,” Bush said to Ryan Dunleavy at Super Bowl LIII, via NJ.com. “That’s tough to say when you are on a team with Odell Beckham Jr., when you are on a team with Sterling Shepard and Eli Manning, and you’ve got all these pieces around you.”

Barkley broke Bush's all-time rookie record for receptions by a running back by racking up 91 catches on the year. In addition to breaking Bush's record, Barkley also tied Beckham's Giants all-time record for receptions in a rookie season that he set back in 2014. Barkley's reception total was one of several impressive records and milestones he set during his rookie season. For a complete breakdown of every record/milestone, you'll find it here.

The most impressive aspect of Barkley's rookie season to Bush was how he improved as the season wore on and how he emerged as a leader on the sideline.

"I was already impressed with what I saw from Saquon and I was even more impressed with what I saw from him this year and how he handled his rookie season," Bush said. “He emerged as such as a shining, bright player for this organization that really, really needed a guy like him.

“Saquon is a once-in-a-generation player,” Bush added. “He proved that this year. He is tough as hell to tackle. He has tree thunks for thighs. He was such a balanced leader for that football team, and it’s exactly what they needed.”

The Giants offseason is HERE and the biggest decision is due on March 17th when Eli Manning's roster bonus has to be decided on. Stay up to date with everything Giants by taking a second to sign up for our FREE Giants newsletter!

Bush referenced a moment from Barkley's rookie season where he was caught on cameras coaching up his offensive line just before breaking a long touchdown run against the Washington Redskins.

“I’ve seen film of him coaching up the linemen,” Bush said, “and I was at one of the Thursday Night Games where I felt like he was the leader of the football team.”

Shortly after the Giants defeated the Redskins late in the 2018 season, a video was released showing Barkley coaching up the Giants offensive line just moments before they took the field for another offensive possession. That next possession lasted just one play -- Barkley took a handoff 78 yards to the house for a touchdown -- the Giants offensive line put Barkley's to the test and the rookie was spot on in his assessment of what would happen next.

Saquon coached up the OL before his 78-yard TD run ?? pic.twitter.com/Z6yDczLpgo — NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December

It turns out that Barkley's coaching tips were sparked by something he saw on film during his time at Penn State and was able to apply to the NFL with the Giants based on how the Washington Redskins decided to try and defend Barkley and New York's offense.

You can see that in the video below:

Barkley coached up the O line before the touchdown run ???? pic.twitter.com/ScJ8WYhSww — Telbo (@telbreezy305) December 11, 2018

As Giants cornerback (and teammate of Barkley's at Penn State) Grant Haley Tweeted shortly after seeing Tel's Tweet, "Yeah bro..you on a different level for sure Saquon."

According to Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, the impact Barkley makes on the sideline with his teammates and the offensive line should not go unnoticed. In his rookie season, at just 21 years old, Barkley had already emerged as a locker room leader.

“He’s a terrific player. Again, he’s a generational spirit on the sideline. I think I’ve said that before,” Shurmur said, via ESPN. “There are a lot of things about him that make him special."