Interview: 3-Star 2021 Talent Rico Barfield is That Prototypical College Running Back
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Big, fast, and physical, Rico Barfield is the prototypical collegiate running back offensive coordinators love. Barfield further showcased his craft during the 2019 season carrying the rock 151 times for 1,150 yards with 18 scores on the ground and showed glimpses of his all-purpose abilities hauling in seven passes for 40 yards; and all was done in part-time work. Barfield’s DeSmet Jesuit team was head and shoulders above all other Missouri 6A teams in 2019 rolling to a 14-0 record with just one contest that came down to the wire. After earning All-District, All-Conference, and second team All-State honors, college coaches have responded with 10 offers extended.
In an RNG first-look with Barfield, the 6-0, 215-pound, play-maker goes in-depth on his skills and offseason workouts with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Rico, the Spartans were so far ahead of everyone last season only having one close game in 2019 coming against Chaminade (32-31). What was working so well for the team, and especially the offense, last season on the way to winning a state championship?
“Pretty much what separated us from everyone else was our work ethic in the offseason. We got after it in the weight room. Also, we played as a team in every game.”
The skills you put forth on the field go beyond being that big back who will knock a defender on his can. The footwork drills show along with your field vision. What are some of the other aspects to your game that makes you so dangerous on the field?
“Being able to get yards after contact; that is one thing I think I do really well are my yards after contact. My blocking and I can catch a little bit. My blocking for other backs is good also. My vision, as you mentioned, is good.”
What scheme did the Spartans run last season?
“We pretty much ran two-backs, a speed back in slot, two receivers, or a tight end and a receiver. We tried to spread the ball around the field to get everyone involved. We did some Wildcat with me back there. We did a lot out of the gun.”
How were the coaches getting the ball into your hands?
“They mixed it up, inside and outside zone and stretch plays.”
Is there an area or two of your game that maybe was a weakness at the start of the schedule but at some point during the season had become a strength?
“I’d say my leg drive. I struggled with picking my legs up engaging in contact, but I got it together. I was then able to break longer touchdowns.”
Any chance you will be playing some defense in 2020?
“I’m not sure what the coaches have in store for me yet, but more than likely I will.”
If you do play defense, at which position do you think you will play?
“I think I will be at middle or outside linebacker.”
This offseason, what have you been working on with your overall game?
“I’ve been in the weight room working on squats, my hip flexibility, my footwork, and improving my speed. I am trying to perfect my game.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I’ve been getting stuff from Kansas State and Notre Dame.”
How many offers have been extended to you?
“Ten.”
Barfield’s Offer Sheet (10): Arkansas State, Ball State, Bowling Green, Iowa State, Kansas, Missouri State, Purdue, South Dakota, Toledo, and Western Michigan
When the recruiting world picks back up, are there any visits you may take?
“Yes. I had two set up to Purdue and Kansas, but the virus messed that up. I plan on getting to Western Michigan, Purdue, Kansas, Bowling Green, and Ball State soon.”
Are those official or unofficial visits?
“All unofficial.”
Rico, I appreciate your time today and wish you great luck with your workouts and with all the upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dirt & Turf Photography; Rico Barfield (2019)