EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — On Tuesday, New York Giants defensive lineman Damon Harrison said of rookie running Saquon Barkley that he couldn’t wait to face him in pads so that he could “hit his ass.” On Wednesday, Barkley — smartly — didn’t tug at the big man’s cape.

Instead of busting out the “he’ll never catch me” trash talk, Barkley just politely said he was happy Snacks can’t hit him for real.

“My response to that is I am just happy we are on the same team. He only gets to hit me maybe once or twice a year rather than a full game. Snacks is one of the best defensive linemen,” Barkley said. “I’m just happy he’s on my team.”

The 233-pound Barkley knows there won’t be any running over the 340- to 350-pound Harrison.

“I don’t know anybody in this league who is going to run over ‘Snacks.’ His name is ‘Snacks’ for a reason,” Barkley said. “Definitely happy he’s on my team.”

Amon the many impressive things about Barkley, he seems to have mastered the idea of not angering the wrong teammates. Smart young man.