2011 Prospect Sleeper: DE Deion Barnes

Deion Barnes- DE-6'5" 225
Philadelphia, PA – Northeast HS
4.7 40 -
Offers:  Michigan, USC, Pitt, Virginia, Penn State and Maryland

Interests: USC, Pitt, Florida, Rutgers, Georgia, Penn State

Prep: (FR) No stats reported. (SO) 11 sacks, 50 tackles (JR) 7 sacks, 20 TFL, 60 tackles

Info: Every recruiting class has what recruiting gurus label as “sleepers.” These “sleepers” are players that deserve as much exposure and attention as other high profile prospects but have fallen through the cracks going mostly unnoticed. For the 2011 class, Deion Barnes fits the definition of a sleeper. Deion is a strong and quick defensive end. He wreaks havoc on opposing quarterback and ball-carriers. Over the past two seasons he has combined for 110 tackles, 31 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. Deion has taken unofficial visits to Pitt and USC. He will be visiting Michigan for the annual “Maize and Blue” Spring Game in April. While visiting colleges, Deion is looking for not only “great facilities and a winning program”, he is also making sure the academics are up-to-par. For Deion academics is “the decider” in picking a school. His dream schools are University of Miami and Ohio State University. Deion has a 2.8 G.P.A. and hopes to major in Physical Education or Business. If a career in the NFL doesn’t come true, he hopes to become a gym teacher or a coach. He would also like to be able to help in his community in any way that he can. Growing up Deion idolized Julius Peppers and compares his football abilities to NFL Hall of Fame DE, Deacon Jones. The most influential person in his life is his father. According to Deion his father “introduced and taught me the game of football.” Deion is looking forward to his senior season. He is most looking forward to “becoming a leader and winning a lot of games.” So far his greatest highlight from his high school football career was getting 5 sacks in one game as a sophomore. One of the aspects of his game he is improving on is his “reaction of pass or run.” He is also is working hard on his speed and getting lower. He feels he brings the skills of a great pass rusher and run stopper to the next level. Deion is working diligently to perfect his game so he can accomplish his #1 goal and that is to win championships.

Penn State offer