Upon his arrival at Penn State, Barkley was freed from the constraints of the PIAA rule book, allowing him to showcase the full extent of his hurdling abilities. His hurdling prowess quickly became a formidable weapon in his arsenal, alongside his renowned spin move, stutter step, dead leg juke, and jump cuts. Former Penn State running backs coach Charles Huff, now the head coach at Southern Miss, highlighted how Barkley’s hurdling technique forced second-level defenders to approach tackling him more cautiously, as they risked being leaped over and becoming a highlight on ESPN.
While Barkley attributes his ability to leap over defenders to his “God-given instincts,” Huff believes it is a result of Barkley’s meticulous film study on the tendencies of safeties. By analyzing their tackling techniques, Barkley can anticipate their moves and plan his own accordingly. Huff praised Barkley for his dedication to preparation and his unmatched blend of athleticism, experience, and foresight, leading to the creation of countless jaw-dropping moments on the field.
Despite the physical risks associated with hurdling defenders, Barkley’s former coaches acknowledge the inherent danger but refuse to stifle his natural talent and improvisational skills. Former Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, now the head coach at Akron, compared prohibiting Barkley from hurdling to taking a paintbrush away from Picasso, emphasizing the importance of allowing Barkley to express his creativity on the field.
As Super Bowl LIX approaches, spectators eagerly anticipate Barkley’s next awe-inspiring leap over a Kansas City Chiefs defender, although he has expressed reluctance to repeat his reverse hurdle maneuver from November. Barkley’s former coaches emphasize that his on-field acrobatics are not for showmanship but are rooted in a genuine desire to contribute to his team’s success. This selflessness was evident to Elder, a player who was once hurdled by Barkley, as Barkley’s priority has always been the team’s victory rather than personal accolades.
