Interview: College Camps Giving Recruiting Boost to 2022 Oklahoma WR/DB Gabe Barres
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The time has come for Class of 2022 receiver/defensive back Gabe Barres. The Blanchard High School (OK) product did a little bit of everything during his junior campaign hauling in 10 passes for 75 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards off 18 totes with another trip into the end zone. The 5-9, 175-pound, speedster has answered the call ahead of his senior season pushing his abilities forward while showcasing his skills at top camps like Arkansas and TCU. With three college camps left on the agenda, Barres is not done showing college scouts what he can do on the field.
Interview
Gabe, you were all over the field last season in all three phases of the game. To pick up where you left off and push forward, how have you been physically preparing your body for the 2021 schedule this spring and summer?
I have been preparing a lot. As receiver, I am working on the top of my routes, releases and hands. As a DB, I am staying more patient, reading the field better, and watching the QB as well – where his eyes are. As a kick and punt returner, I am working on focusing on the ball all the way in; no silly mistakes.
To push your speed and agility ahead, what have you been doing this summer?
Ladders, working on the fundamentals, my routes, and being more polished as well with my routes. My breaks too. Basically, I have been doing everything. Combine work, getting my times better, and working on my change of direction too.
You just touched on this; the coaches had you playing corner, receiver, and as a kick returner. Where are you lining up for the Lions this fall? Are you taking on all the same roles or doing anything differently?
Yes, sir. My coaches really welcomed me to the team and adjusted to me. I will be playing receiver, slot, corner, kick returner, and some at punt returner.
At corner, what are some of the coverages you guys execute in the secondary?
I have been working on Cover 3, Cover 2, man as well.
What have you been working on with your technique this offseason at corner?
I have been working on staying patient, using my hands at the right time, playing the ball right, and being more physical.
On offense, you do a great job of selling your routes and created separation in a variety of ways. First, how many different releases do you use?
Man, I got hundreds of them. That is one thing Coach Johnson and Coach Bankhead have worked on with me. I have been working on those for years. There are a lot of releases in the toolbox.
Which routes are you running within the offensive scheme?
We run curls, posts, in routes, out routes, slants, and different variations of slants. During the season, we will get some more routes in as well.
What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game as a receiver?
At receiver, my separation. Even though I am not the fastest, I can go against faster guys but I am quicker and more creative. I have been impressed with my own hands. It comes natural at this point. My creativity, setting up defenders, and my hands.
How has playing both ways as a corner and receiver helped you jump ahead of the competition mentally and with a better understanding of how important the small things are to the game?
At corner, it helps me understand when I line up against a receiver. If he’s outside the numbers I know he is going inside. During 7v7, I call the routes ahead of the play. I run the routes with them. At receiver, playing as a more physical guy. I have to be more creative, use inside leverage, and be more patient on routes like a slant. If they are in Cover 2, I know I have to change it up.
Have you been to any college camps this summer to showcase the skills?
Yes, I’ve been to OBU (Oklahoma Baptist), Arkansas, TCU, and a few others. I have three more to go.
Which three camps do you have left?
I have UCO (Central Oklahoma) this weekend. I am one of their top recruits. They are recruiting me as a defensive back. After UCO, then I have Tulsa and TCU.
Backtracking a bit. How did the Arkansas camp go for you?
It went well. I won my reps in the one on ones. I slipped a little bit on some of the agility drills, but I think I did pretty good.
And at the TCU camp?
That one was really good. My testing was good. I ran a 4.1 in the 5-10-5. My 40 was slow at 4.6. That’s from my form. During the one on ones I did well; I impressed the players and the coaches.
What is the best 40 time you’ve posted this offseason?
With my coach, Coach Tre, I ran a 4.5 with him.
Going into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest ahead of the 2021 season?
UCO is recruiting me along with a couple other D-IIs.
Have you received an offer?
Yes, OBU offered me.
Have you taken any visits this summer?
Yes, I took one to UCO. That was an unofficial to see their facilities. I have a friend at TCU, Yo-Yo. He’s trying to set me up with a visit to TCU.
Gabe, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck finishing strong at these next three camps this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Barres family; Gabe Barres