Bainbridge graduate and former Bearcat defensive tackle Tarow Barney verbally committed to Penn State University last weekend, choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Iowa State, Arizona State and Illinois.
Barney revealed it was Penn State’s defensive line coach Larry Johnson that ultimately swayed his decision.
“I had made a connection with Coach Larry Johnson,” Barney said. “He produces good linemen and gets them ready for the (NFL). He will get me to highest potential as a player.”
Barney is currently finishing his fourth and final semester at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He’ll transfer to University Park in January where he’ll begin practice and conditioning under Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Barney is rated as a four-star prospect by 247 Sports. Current Penn State senior defensive ends DaQuan Jones and Kyle Baublitz will play their final game this Saturday against Wisconsin, giving Barney the opportunity to step in and fill their shoes next fall.
Barney said he looks forward to making the move to Penn State and applying the skills he learned as a Bearcat and a Ranger.
“It just feels like a family atmosphere up there,” Barney said.
According to 247 Sports, Barney visited the campus last weekend and attended the Penn State’s game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, where they lost 23-20.
Penn State’s 2014 season opener will be against Central Florida at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.