Penn State fans witnessed Saquon Barkley put together a legendary highlight reel during his three-year Nittany Lions career. Following his first NFL season with the New York Giants, he's quickly become a household name far beyond Happy Valley.

Barkley was named the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America on Tuesday afternoon. The PFWA additionally recognized Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard as Defensive Rookie of the Year and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield as Rookie of the Year.

Barkley, the second overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, shined despite persistent team struggles. He gained 1,307 rushing yards on 11 carries, tallied 721 receiving yards on 91 receptions and finished his debut campaign with 15 total touchdowns.

Only two other NFL rookies have ever surpassed 2,000 yards from scrimmage, and none have recorded more catches as a running back.

"He is a once in a lifetime-type player with his work ethic, football IQ and athletic prowess," Penn State coach James Franklin said in a draft-day athletic department release.

His success is a substantial silver lining to an otherwise underwhelming Giants season. New York started the season 1-7, established midseason momentum with four wins in a five-game span, then Giants wrapped up 2018 with three consecutive defeats. The franchise faces a crossroads at quarterback, where 38-year-old Eli Manning remained starter throughout 2018.

There has been growing speculation that the Giants could consider pairing Barkley with a top quarterback prospect. Expect to hear plenty regarding Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins and Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray as analysts speculate how New York will utilize the No. 6 overall pick.

Barkley, who became the first NFL rookie with at least 1,200 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards since Detroit Lions star Billy Sims in 1980, earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week recognition after a Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that contest, he tallied 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns. It was the first of four consecutive 100-yard rushing games.

Barkley left an indelible mark on the Penn State football program while emerging among America's must-see players and establishing and several team records. He sits atop all-time Nittany Lions lists for rushing touchdowns (43), total touchdowns (53) and all-purpose yards (5,538).

In November, through a first-person story published on The Players' Tribune, Barkley shared plans to complete his PSU degree.

“And when I do," he wrote. "I’m going to walk across that stage, hold my degree up high, and then go home and hang it on my wall to show my daughter that I accomplished something great. To show her that daddy is much more than just a football player."

Barkley is the highest NFL draft pick to come out out of Penn State since 2000, when defensive lineman Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington were selected first and second overall by the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins, respectively.