New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took time out from preparing for the upcoming NFL season to inspire the next generation of football players.

Barkley held a camp for more than 200 kids at West Essex High School. But the big question on many people’s minds is if he will be ready for Giants camp in a few weeks.

“I don’t know. I guess we’ll see. Just taking it day by day and just listening to my body and whenever I’m able to get out there, I’m able to get 110%,” Barkley says.

Barkley had surgery to repair a torn ACL in October. He says that he feels better, but remains tight-lipped on his status for week one of the upcoming season.

“I’m very blessed and fortunate to have a great team, a great staff, who’s going to listen to me and take it day by day and listen to the kneed and whenever that day comes, go 110%,” he says.

As for his pro camp, Barkley says that he is a kid at heart and that he was excited to run drills with the children that came out to learn about football.

“It means a lot to me. I’m happy that these kids came out. I want to thank the families. I want to thank these kids for coming out. I want to make sure that I leave a lasting impression,” he says.

Barkley says that camps like this weren’t available to him when he was growing up. He says that his injury puts a lot of things into perspective.

“You never know how many opportunities football can be taken from you at any point. Especially the position I play. So that’s why I want to get this opportunity, go at it 110% and try to put some smiles on these kids’ faces,” Barkley says.

The Giants open the 2021 season Sept. 12 against the Broncos.