Saquon Barkley points out the Philadelphia Eagles' 'smartest' running back

Philadelphia Eagles' running back room is easy to overlook with Saquon Barkley leading the pack.

However, Barkley is here to remind everyone that he isn't the only special one in the group. Following Eagles training camp practice, Barkley took a moment to shed some light on second-year back Will Shipley.

“It kind of pisses me off how smart he is, to be honest," Barkley said

Shipley didn't see much action as a rookie, playing just 65 offensive snaps in the regular season and 10 in the postseason. He logged 34 rushes for 159 yards and another four catches for 35 yards. He also played 244 special teams snaps and recorded six special teams tackles.

Shipley's ability to contribute in more ways than one is exactly what offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo appreciates so much about the young running back.

"He’s done a pretty good job," Patullo said. "I mean he did a good job last year. He is a physical player; he is a really good special teams player. As the year went on, I think his role continued to grow and the more he is out there, the more you see from him. I think he’s an impact player in a lot of different ways."

With Kenneth Gainwell no longer in the picture, Shipley is positioned for an expanded role in Year 2, that is, if he can beat out veteran tailback A.J. Dillon throughout the rest of training camp.

But even if Shipley doesn't win the RB2 job right away, he vows to be ready for when his moment comes.

“Continue to grow,” he said, “and hopefully be ready whenever my opportunity comes, be able to prove that I can do it at any position and at any place, whether that’s special teams, offense, third downs, whatever they ask. Just be able to fill that role.”