Indiana Football: Interview with 2023 Andrean State Champion DB Antonio Barnes
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Antonio Barnes had an unorthodox junior season at Andrean High School. After transferring into the program, Barnes suffered an ankle injury which caused him to miss all of the regular season. However, after returning for the playoffs, this defensive playmaker helped lead his new team to a state championship by racking up 24 total tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception.
This 5’11”, 190-pound, safety plays with a great football IQ and tremendous athleticism. Barnes is also drawing interest from colleges from both the SEC and Ivy League so it’s only a matter of time until he reels in his first offer.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Antonio to talk about the highs and lows of his 2021 season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Antonio, how does it feel to win a state championship?
It feels great. It was a great experience alone just to be down in the Colts stadium, but then going down there as a team and winning the state championship is just a whole different feeling and an experience that I will never forget.
What are your thoughts on your junior season?
First off, I just transferred from a different school, so this was my first year at Andrean. So when I showed up at practice, I knew that I had to compete for a spot on varsity because mostly everyone had not seen me play previously. I did earn a starting spot at safety, but in the first game I sprained my ankle. I ended up missing the rest of the regular season, but I came back for the first round of playoffs, and I was very happy to be back on the field with the team again. After I had a real big hit on a kid, I felt more comfortable and knew that I will be able to help the team through the playoffs.
Then, obviously, we went all the way through playoffs and won state. So overall it was a great junior season with the only bad thing really being that I missed a lot of the regular season and I had to just make the most of the opportunities I had in the remaining games I was able to play.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I believe that I’m pretty smart from the safety position and I can tell the rhythm of the opposing team’s offense. Before the snap, there are times where I know where the play is going and cheat over to that side to put me in a better position to make a play, or I will yell it out to help my teammates know what to expect.
I also can come down hill on the run game and lay some solid hits on receivers. I also have a pretty good nose for the ball. Then lastly, I put in a lot of film work and preparation into the team we are playing that week.
What kind of challenges did you face during the 2021 season?
The biggest challenge I faced during the 2021 season is definitely spraining my ankle and getting caught back up with the speed and physical side of the game. I had to miss the whole regular season but still came back in the playoffs getting over the hump of a weak ankle to make plays.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I had to overcome my sprained ankle by taking care of it daily. I was doing cryotherapy, icing it every day at home, wearing my ankle brace, and doing exercises to help my ankle during practice or at home. I still went to practices, so I made sure that I paid attention and helped my teammates with stuff on the field. Then I still was staying active in the gym and watching film.
What kind of defense does your school run?
Mostly a 3-4 scheme.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
No one in particular. I look at multiple players and take little things that they do. I look at players like Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, and Deion Sanders. I love how these guys played, but I try to really be the best that I can be because then by me doing that, there is no limit to how good I can be.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
I haven’t run an official time yet but I’m aiming for a 4.5 or 4.6 this summer.
Have you been to any camps?
I went to a Tennessee camp and had a good talk with Coach Banks. Missing most of my junior season hurt me but I believe it will be a blessing in disguise.
How are you preparing for your senior season?
By working on my craft and working in the weight room
Are you receiving interest from colleges?
I’ve gotten interest from a SEC school, a couple Ivy League schools and a couple other higher education institutions. I’m looking forward to show that I can be an elite athlete scholar for any school.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I play baseball and I’m working on my craft so I can potentially play both football and baseball in college.
What is your GPA?
4.1.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
A quote I always look up to is “Work until you can’t get it wrong.” I don’t know who it came from, but my dad always says it to me, and it will always stick with me.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Andrean Safety Antonio Barnes