PREP KICKOFF 2020: Lee's Barnes leads plethora of top seniors in River Region
Robert E. Lee’s Anquin Barnes goes through workouts as he prepares for his senior season. Barnes is considered one of the top recruits in the state and has committed to Alabama. (STAFF)
By GRAHAM DUNN
One player may not make the Robert E. Lee Generals a playoff contender.
But second-year coach Eric Hudson would rather not find out what his team looked like without Anquin Barnes.
“He’s a blessing. He has been steady since he was in the ninth grade,” Hudson said of his two-way lineman. “He has worked his way towards being a good football player and has learned how to play the game and it has made us better.
“He has grown into his body and has a great understanding of football.”
Lee has had its share of great players over the years. Barnes can put his name in that category with another stellar season.
That has meant putting in the work, particularly in the weight room where he basically lives when he isn’t on the practice field.
That is, if he can find a lift to the school.
“I spend most of my time working out,” Barnes said. “The hardest part is finding rides to get to where I can work out. But I usually find a way.”
Barnes has already pledged to Nick Saban and Alabama but before he leaves Ann Street, he has work to do. Part of that job is helping his teammates improve their work ethic.
“We’ve had to back him off a little bit, especially when he feels like they aren’t giving the effort,” Hudson said. “But he has brought in a work ethic and accountability to his teammates. He likes to challenge them.”
Barnes got the invitation to Saban’s summer camp after his sophomore year and thanks to his massive size (6-foot-6, 315 pounds), he was grouped with players with a chance to earn a scholarship.
But that was a group below those who already had an offer or had committed. It took Barnes one day to move up.
“Coach offered him the day after he worked out for the first time,” Hudson said. “He’s so big it’s hard not to notice him. He fit in real well.”
“It’s something I’ve wanted since I was little,” Barnes said of the opportunity to play at Alabama. “It didn’t take long to accept it when they asked – about 15 seconds.”
Barnes not only spends time in the weight room, he moved into other sports at Lee to improve speed and footwork. It was recommended he play basketball to increase his speed. He spent time with the soccer team to improve footwork.
And he ran track.
“He learned very soon that he has to find the tools to improve all parts of his game,” Hudson said, “and he’s done what has been asked of him.”
After spending his time on the defensive side the last three years, Hudson plans to put Barnes at offensive tackle. More than likely, he will be used on both sides of the ball.
“We will run behind him often,” Hudson said. “It’s out of necessity but he’s good enough to play just about anywhere.
“We will stick him in the backfield a few times.”
Barnes is well versed in the “process” at Alabama. He would like to bring that attitude into the 2020 season with the Generals.
“You have to bring your A game to have a chance there,” Barnes said. “There is so much competition among the players but that makes everybody better. We can have that here.”
RIVER REGION DANDY DOZEN - Top Seniors in 2020
Anquin Barnes (OL-DL/6-5/320) R.E. Lee – Committed to Alabama, he is massive and very strong. Made an instant impression on Nick Saban at camp last summer. Will play two ways as as senior but is expected to play defensive tackle in college.
Ian Jackson (LB/6-1/215) Prattville – Committed to Alabama, switched to linebacker before his junior year and quickly became one of the best at his position in the country. Made big strides in a short time. Can play in coverage or rush off the corner.
Joshua Rudolph (LB/6-2/245) Park Crossing – Two-year starter that has grown into one of the better linebackers in the state. Second on the team with 118 tackles and tops with 81 solos last season. Is expected to sign with a D-I mid-major.
LJ McCloud (DL/6-1/260) Pike Road – Recorded 30 solo tackles, seven sacks and a fumble recovery last year. Can move inside and play nose if needed.
Thomas Kirkham (OL/6-4/310) Montgomery Academy – Continuing a long list of college bound linemen from MA, Kirkham has been solid as a three-year starter. Has played multiple positions including center last year. Has 17 Division I offers.
William Whitlow (DE/6-3/255) Stanhope Elmore – A three-year starter, he has grown into a sleeper prospect in the state. Most in-state schools have shown interest with 13 offers overall.
Marcus Dees (DL/6-0/255) Catholic – A three-year starter who has played five different positions in high school. Also a top baseball player in the area. He broke the school bench press record (405 pounds). Has committed to Wofford.
Jaelon Brown (OL/6-5/325) Park Crossing – Was credited with 36 pancake blocks in 2019. Is being considered by several schools including a few in the SEC.
Jalen Clark (QB/6-2/185) Alabama Christian – Committed to Louisiana-LaFayette, has plenty of speed and size to make it to the next level. Has developed into one of the better quarterbacks in the River Region but will probably be used as a receiver or defensive back in college.
Bernard Gooden (DL/6-1/280) Park Crossing - Committed to Wake Forest. Quick off the ball. Recorded 13.5 tackles for loss last year with three sacks.
Reginald Davis (RB/5-11/180) Robert E. Lee – Has committed to Florida Atlantic but has picked up a few other offers. Might be considered a late bloomer but has come on strong after the second half of last season.
DJ Carter (WR/6-1/180) Catholic – Has gained attention from mid-level D-I teams. The go-to receiver for the Knights.
Best of the rest: WR Al’Terious Bates (Prattville); RB Brandon Bowman (Wetumpka); WR Myles Butler (Catholic); WR Blake Durham (Pike Road); OL Colby Golson (Wetumpka); DL Jalin Herbert (Prattville); DL Jaden Jones (Park Crossing); WR Zack List (Marbury); WR Anthony Shackleford (Lanier); WR Terrence Reed (Jeff Davis); DL Tim Trotter (Prattville) Prattville
Alabama Top 10 (according to 247sports.com)
1. DB Ga’Quincy McKinstry (5-11/170) Pinson Valley – In-state Battle between Alabama and Auburn
2. DE Dylan Brooks (6-5/250) Handley HS (Roanoke) – Committed to Tennessee
3. DT Lee Hunter (5-6/295) Blount (Mile High) – Committed to Auburn
4. RB Armoni Goodwin (5-8/190) Hewitt-Trussville – Committed to Auburn
5. DE Jeremiah Williams (6-3/225) Ramsey (Birmingham) – Auburn/Alabama/Florida
6. LB Deontae Lawson (6-3/225) Mobile Christian – Committed to Alabama
7. LB Ian Jackson (6-1/215) Prattville – Committed to Alabama
8. WR Jordan Mosley (6-0/190) McGill-Toolen (Mobile) – Committed to Tennessee
9. RB Jaylin White (5-10/185) Dothan – Florida State/Ole Miss/Penn State
10. DT Tim Keenan (6-1/340) Ramsey (Birmingham) – Alabama/Auburn/LSU
TOMORROW - KOHN PERFECT FOR MONTGOMERY ACADEMY’S NEW OFFENSE