Oregon running back Brandon Smith’s teammates aren’t the only ones comparing him to NFL superstar Saquon Barkley.
After a game against Northwestern where Smith put his speed, vision and elusiveness on full display — rushing eight times for 82 yards and a touchdown — he had one more person make the completely unbiased assessment.
“My mom said I looked like him,” Smith said with a grin. “So, I think it’s kind of accurate.”
Easy to forget that Smith hasn’t been away from home for long. The freshman back emerged as one of Oregon’s most impactful players in a win over the Wildcats, and will take on an even bigger role this weekend with top running back Jordon Davison sidelined.