By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

March 18, 2009

Blake Barker from Wellesley (Mass.) Browne & Nicols has been a two-year starter on both sides of the ball.  The 6-foot-6 and 235-pound Barker could play either tight end or defensive end in college.

Barker caught 22 passes for 450 yards during his junior season.  He had five touchdowns.  Barker had 12 sacks on defense.

“Some schools say tight end or defensive end,” Barker said.  “Some just say tight end.”

Penn State is one of the schools that has told Barker he could play either position in college.

“One of their coaches said I could play either side of the ball,” Barker said.  “I don’t know too much about the school yet, but I know they have great tradition.  They have an unbelievable stadium.  Coach (Joe) Paterno has a great reputation.”

Barker is looking forward to his first trip to Penn State.

“I’ve never been there,” he said.  “I plan to go to their spring game.”

Barker has visited North Carolina, Duke, Boston College and Stanford.  He left on Tuesday for a visit to Florida.

“I have about eight (scholarship) offers,” Barker said.  “Boston College, Duke, Stanford, Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers and Syracuse have offered.”

Barker does not anticipate making a decision on his college any time soon.

“It’s still pretty early,” he said.  “Right now I’m keeping all my options open.”