Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1420595
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1 5 9 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M I t's not every year that a player picks a school, decommits, and then returns. In fact, it hardly happens at all. But with Mathias "Mega" Barnwell having re- turned to the fold in September, that very scenario has played out in Penn State's favor for the second time in the past six recruiting classes. Barnwell, a four-star tight end from Riverbend High in Fredericksburg, Va., announced on Sept. 25 that he was re- joining the Nittany Lions' class of 2023, committing to coach James Franklin on the field at Beaver Stadium before PSU faced Villanova. In doing so, he followed the same path as 2018 linebacker pros- pect Micah Parsons, who decommitted, recommitted and went on to enjoy an All- America career with the Lions. "I'm ready to come in and give 100 per- cent effort," Barnwell told Blue White Il- lustrated. "I plan to give as much as I can to the program, and I'm ready to win a national championship. I think we're on the right track right now. "Coach Franklin has done an amazing job, really ever since he got there. He's just been a really key part to everything. He's really built Penn State into some- thing special, and I just can't wait to come in and get to work." Barnwell, who is the nation's 119th- ranked player overall according to Rivals and its eighth-ranked tight end, had com- mitted to the Nittany Lions in June 2020. But over the next six months, he came to feel as though he had made his decision too quickly. On Jan. 20, he announced that he was reopening his recruitment. In June and July, Barnwell went on a series of visits, traveling to Kentucky, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Penn State. In the end, he decided that the Nittany Lions offered him the best opportunity. "I think that the three visits I took to Penn State since this summer really helped," said the 6-foot-6, 255-pound Barnwell. "My family and I truly enjoyed our time every time we were there. We never want to leave when we visit. Also, every day I talk to somebody from the Penn State staff. It doesn't even have to be a football coach. I talk to recruiting directors, their [film] edit guys, everybody. It's just been an everyday routine, texting them to see what's going on and stuff like that." Barnwell could eventually develop into a lineman, maybe even a defensive lineman. Penn State envisions him play- ing on the offensive side of the ball, but the coaching staff prizes versatility, and Barnwell, who also stars in basketball, of- fers that quality in spades. That's why the Lions continued to make him a priority even after he opened things up. "Since my freshman year, they've al- ways preached that this is a tight end of- fer," Barnwell said. "We haven't really had the conversation about going to the of- fensive line, but if that day were to come, it's Big Ten football. I'm blessed to play anywhere on the field, so I'd be totally fine with that. I can even try out defense, go to D-end, D-tackle or something like that. We could work something out if tight end doesn't work. I'm definitely OK with playing offensive line, but we haven't had any talks of that so far." ■ Ryan Snyder contributed to this story. Without even taking into account the dramatic twists and turns of his recruitment, tight end prospect Mathias Barnwell might be the most fascinating player Penn State has pursued in quite some time. His nickname is "Mega," and it is well-deserved. Here's a look at what he brings to PSU. STRENGTHS Size/length: At 6-foot-6, Barnwell is a long prospect who has the ideal build to add muscle mass and strength. Other prospects with his dimensions may be done growing, but Barnwell seems like he still has not matured physically and has massive growth potential in his lower body. Ball skills: As a receiver, Barnwell is a phenomenal athlete in space. He has great body control at the catch point and easily snags throws outside his frame with massive hands. He really is a mega-receiver. Pad level: Barnwell has phenomenal pad level for such a long-legged player. He consistently wins the leverage battle as an inline tight end and as a nose tackle on defense. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Genetics: Barnwell wants to play tight end at the next level, but he's fighting his own genetics to do so. If he is truly committed to playing the tight end position, he'll likely have to be fanati- cal about his diet, weight training and physical development. Speed: Barnwell is a gifted athlete who is capable of playing like a much smaller player. Yet when it comes to his true speed and separation abilities as a receiver, they simply don't show up on film. He's able to high-point the football and make contested catches with ease, but he's not running away from anyone at the high school level. PROJECTION Y tight end: Barnwell isn't going to be an H-back sort of tight end who's used in the backfield and moved around the offense for a variety of packages. He's a true, inline tight end with the ability to flex out into the slot. Left tackle: With his movement skills, speed (for a lineman) and his ability to play in space, Barnwell could be one of the two or three most physically talented tackle prospects at Penn State this millennium. He has all the tools to be an elite tackle in college and beyond. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N PSU Welcomes Return Of Virginia Tight End G R E G P I C K E L | G P I C 9 2 @ G M A I L . C O M COMMITMENT PROFILE MATHIAS BARNWELL Barnwell recommitted to the Nittany Lions on Sept. 25, telling James Franklin of his decision on the field prior to the Villanova game. PHOTO BY GREG PICKEL