When Rutgers University head football coach Kyle Flood brought in Saquon Barkley and Brian Gilbert into his office after one of their preseason practices, the Zephyr head coach thought it was just to say something like have a good year and stay healthy.

What it turned out to be was a scholarship offer, one that Barkley accepted earlier this month.

Barkley is making a habit of turning heads, especially those he runs past on defense, gaining 609 yards through four games this season. And it was that knack for making opponents grab air that made him a priority for a top college program.

"They really liked him as a person," said Gilbert who escorted his junior running back to the New Brunswick, NJ campus in the summer. "They saw him on film and they liked how he performed at their camp."

Barkley said he was extended the offer on August 3, with coach Flood giving him the opportunity to commit to Rutgers "right on the spot."

"I told him, this is the college I would really love to go to," said Barkley. "It kind of surprised me with the offer in his office with coach Gilbert.

"I went home and talked it over with my family. And then that Monday, at 9 o'clock in the morning, I called him on the phone, and committed."

Barkley subsequently made his decision public on Twitter.

The process began when Gilbert sent Barkley's sophomore film to Rutgers. Gilbert said that their running back coach and recruiting coordinator liked it and invited Barkley to participate in their camp for potential recruits.

He attended it with coach Harold Fairclough, and Barkley made an impression. Their avid interest surprised Barkley somewhat since he wasn't a starter until week four last season, and by his own admission had an "OK year."

However, he did show flashes of brilliance and those got rolled into a film reel that showcased his ability.

"I made enough plays to make a little highlight tape, and my coach sent it out to them," said Barkley. "I started talking to them, and coach [Asst. Head Coach and running backs coach Norries] Wilson liked what he saw."

They also had the opportunity to see Barkley compete in some seven-on-seven drills, further whetting their appetites.

"I had a pretty good day up there," said Barkley who has 10 total touchdowns so far this season.

Signing this early may be a bit unusual, but Gilbert said it was a school that was one of Barkley's top picks. Additionally, its proximity and academic reputation were other factors aiding the decision.

"For him and his family, it's an ideal location," said Gilbert. "It's an ideal staff that they have there, and he really likes the facility, and really bonded well with the running backs coach."

Gilbert said that the coaching staff presents a family atmosphere, and that their tight knit unit had a definite appeal

"That's what he was looking for," Gilbert said.

Barkley, who has visited the campus four times, said that even though his body of work was a small sample, the fact that they offered him the scholarship was something that could free him up to simply concentrate on Zephyr football.

"I'm glad I got it; I'm glad I committed," said Barkley. "I'm glad I got that monkey off my back and I can play football and have fun this year."

Barkley is looking forward to becoming a Scarlett Knight where he'll be playing for a Division I-A school in 2015.

"I'm really excited," said Barkley.

However, Barkley still has some work to do on then gridiron for the maroon and gold. He's on track to break Nick Kurtz's single season rushing record of 1,662 yards set in 1999, and may break the all-time carer rushing record of 2,764 set by Kurtz.