By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

June 24, 2009

Wellesley (Mass.) Browne & Nicols tight end-defensive end Blake Barker had planned to attend the Penn State’s Blue-White spring game, but was not able to make it.  He is still planning to get out to State College.

“I’ll definitely get there sometime,” Barker said.  “Penn State is a prestigious football school with great academics.”

Barker, a two-year starter at both tight end and defensive end and an ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect, has a dozen scholarship offers.  His list includes Penn State, Florida, Boston College, Duke, Stanford, Maryland, North Carolina, Rutgers and Syracuse.

The 6-foot-6 and 235-pound Barker could play on either side of the ball in college.  He caught 22 passes for 450 yards during his junior season with 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 to tell Barker he could play either position in college.

“I’ve talked to Coach (Bill) Kenney in the past few weeks,” Barker said.  “Out of all the schools I’m looking at, Penn State is definitely one of the great academic schools, and camaraderie is a big part of the school.”

Barker has visited Florida, North Carolina, Duke, Boston College and Stanford, but he hasn’t been on any trips recently.

“I’ve just been focused on having a great senior season,” Barker said.  “I’ll probably visit a few schools before the football season starts, probably Stanford, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Penn State is another one.”

Kurelic’s Comment:  Barker says he has no favorite at this point, but it seems as though the Nittany Lions have as good a shot as anyone.  Things will become a bit more clear once Barker sees Penn State in person.