By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

May 19, 2009

Tight end/defensive end Blake Barker from Wellesley (Mass.) Browne & Nicols, a two-year starter on both sides of the ball, has seen his scholarship offer list grow to a dozen. 

The 6-foot-6 and 235-pound Barker, who could play either tight end or defensive end in college, has added offers from Florida, Tennessee, Virginia and Purdue to a list that already included Penn State, North Carolina, Boston College, Stanford, Maryland, Duke, Rutgers and Syracuse.

When asked to name the schools he is most interested in, Barker said, “In no particular order, Stanford, Florida, Boston College, Virginia and a few others.”

Barker attended Boston College’s Spring Game and has also visited North Carolina, Duke and Stanford.  He had wanted to attend the Nittany Lions’ Blue-White Game, but could not make it.

“I was going to go, but I had a commitment,” Barker said.  “So I just went to the Boston College Spring Game since it was close by.  I’m definitely considering visiting Penn State this summer.”

Despite never having been to Penn State, Barker is familiar with Nittany Lions football.  He wants to learn more about the school in general.

“They have a great football program,” he said.  “Football is a big deal in Happy Valley.  I know a lot about their football program, but not that much about the school yet.” 

Barker caught 22 passes for 450 yards during his junior season.  He had five touchdowns.  Barker had 12 sacks on the other side of the ball.