Penn State DL coach Deion Barnes adjusting well to new role for Nittany Lions
As a first-time full-time college assistant, the inevitable is coming for Deion Barnes. Appearing in front of local media last week, Barnes took questions about his new gig, his defensive line and any other topic that seemed to float his way. As Barnes took questions, he contemplated answers by combing his hand through his thick beard.
The gray hairs are starting to show.
Barnes attributed the strays — just a few to clarify — to his 1-year-old son. But they would also be understandable signs of one of the biggest offseason transitions in college football this year. Making the move from a graduate assistant, the position that he held for three years under John Scott Jr., Barnes is now fully in charge of a defensive line that could make or break a season for a playoff contender.
There’s no pressure, though. The 30-year-old assistant doesn’t have time to worry about outside pressure.
“The football part is always the easy part,” Barnes said last week. “Understanding the techniques and all that stuff I could know like the back of my hand. It’s just the other parts of it that you really have to adjust to. I feel like I’m really starting to adjust; I’m not all the way there yet. I’ve still got growth on the field and off the field. It’s really understanding what you have and what you have to improve upon and go from there. I’m learning, I’m good with lessons and I learn from [those] lessons.”
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The transition is, admittedly, a work in progress. Barnes’ pupils on the defensive line advocated for him to get the job this offseason, but head coach James Franklin didn’t pick Barnes because of the feedback from his players. Franklin, who coached Barnes for just one season in Happy Valley in 2014, went with the Philadelphia native for his potential as one of the bright young faces in coaching.
“His players love him. He’s very, very, very demanding,” Franklin said on Wednesday. “He’s very transparent and authentic with them, which I think is important. There’s still some growth that’s happening every day when going from being a GA to a full-time coach in a Top 10 program in a Power Five institution. There’s an adjustment period, but he’s handled it extremely well. I think this defensive staff has also done a really good job. But he’s probably way ahead of where most people would have expected and anticipate.”
Penn State’s defensive line should be helpful in dealing with the transition. The Nittany Lions’ stable of defensive ends is as deep and talented as any in the conference. While defensive tackle remains a talking point, Barnes thinks that the group will round into form as the team gets into September.
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Feedback from players would seem to indicate that the group is comfortable and receptive to Barnes under his new title. The respect came well before he was elevated to full-time assistant status.
“It hasn’t really changed. They’ve always had the same respect for me when I was a GA. They listened to me, I just wasn’t the voice in the room that was the final voice,” said Barnes. “Now they’re going to the beat of my drum. I wouldn’t say it really changed that much, but they understand it’s a different coaching style with me and being demanding with them.”
The most important part, Barnes said, has been connecting to the 20 or so individuals that comprise his position room. With that connection comes high expectations. Penn State finished at the top of the Big Ten in sacks last season and should be in a position to match or exceed that number this season.
“You have to understand who your players are. Understand how to get to them and make sure that every day is looking the same,” he said. “Consistency is a big thing in my room. I have to be consistent myself, but it’s making sure that everything is looking the same so Saturday isn’t a surprise.”
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