New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is one of the hottest commodities in football. Barry Sanders' positive words about the young star are only going to balloon his stock among fans all over the world.

The two running backs met in the NFL's opening gala for its 100th professional season. It has only been a year since they first met, but you can feel that there is great respect shared between Sanders and Barkley, especially after a rookie season that established the Giants' playmaker as one of football's next superstar playmakers.

“Saquon's the same hungry kid, with the same humility he had the day I met him last summer [at the Giants-Lions preseason game in Detroit],” Sanders said, per Art Stapleton of Lohud. “He's got a lot to be proud of, and gosh, the kid came in and did a phenomenal job, and he's got so much left in his game to grow. He balances things so well, and he just seems so prepared for all of this, you know what I mean? That's why I really think he's destined to be one of the greats.”

The amount of high praise a player of Sanders' caliber showered the former Nittany Lion is evidence of the talent he showcased to the entire league. It also puts a whole lot of expectation on his shoulders, but Barkley proved as a rookie he's ready for the spotlight, running for 1307 yards on 261 carries. You can only expect him to get better as the years go by and injuries don't rob him of his inhuman combination speed, power, and agility.

It's still a long road ahead for Barkley, but it must feel good to have one of the greatest to ever run the football have your back.