California 2018 CB McKenzie Barnes Previews Fresno State Visit with Recruiting Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The state of California is crawling with top skill position players, so many worth prospects that a lot of the playmakers in the Golden State fall between the cracks. One player not quite getting his due yet but appears to be turning that proverbial recruiting corner is McKenzie Barnes.

Barnes landed on the map during the 2016 season shutting down passing attacks for Edison High School. The Fresno area talent had a rough stat line of 56 tackles, 15 passes defended, three dropped interceptions, and two forced fumbles. The hard work and extra time on the practice field put in has earned Barnes a three-star status and a No. 16 cornerback ranking within the state of California by Scout in the 2018 class.

Beyond the superficial of recruiting rankings and stars compiled, Barnes more importantly has been extended three scholarship offers from Nevada, Cal-Poly, and Sacramento State. As the camp season heats up, more attention is sure to turn the way of the 6-1, 170 pound, emerging talent. A big step forward in that process is an unofficial visit being taken to Fresno State, today (Saturday, April 01, 2017).

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Barnes covering his junior season and got a preview of his visit to Fresno State.

Interview

McKenzie, the 2016 season started out tough for the Tigers but you guys hung tough and fought back after a 0-5 start to the season. What was the turning point for the team to keep fighting and make a playoff run?

“I really think the turning point was growing up realizing that football is not about self but about team. We all had to play as a team to win. Our wins started boosting our confidence going into the playoffs. We just started to roll.”

With the start of the season playing out the way it did, how did that toughen you up out on the field or help you focus your game even more?

“It gave me the underdog mentality and made me realize a lot of people do not respect Edison as a team. The competition helped me be prepared for any given moment.”

Looks like you guys play a lot of man coverage pressing at the line of scrimmage. What all formations do you guys run?

“We run a lot of cover 4, sometimes we do a cover 4-cover 2 hybrid, and some cover 1.”

How did your game get better during your junior season?

“My IQ improved a lot. I was able to understand route combos and know what each person on the field is doing. I should be able to dominate more next season. My coverage has gotten a lot better. Coming downhill and tackling is one of the things I am working on. I’m working on making a more secure tackle. My coverage is great right now. I’m getting better coming in and out of my breaks. I’m getting bigger, stronger, and faster.”

Who was the toughest receiver you went up against last season?

“The toughest receiver I went up against had to be Teyjohn Herrington (Class of 2018). He’s my teammate. He is a big, strong, and fast receiver (6-3, 190). A lot of receivers are not like that. They are one or the other but not all of them. He’s like a Mega-Tron.”

How did lining up against Herrington help your game?

“It helped me be more prepared for other receivers. He watches film on other receivers, he would show me what they are doing. We are friends. We push each other on the field to be the best we can be.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m working on my football IQ. I’m learning how to draw up the coverages. I am learning everything to be more prepared for the next couple of years.”

Will you play any offense next season or play on any special teams?

“Yeah. I’m playing some receiver and I will be on the return game at kick and punt returner.”

Are you playing any 7v7 this spring?

“Yes, sir.”

With which team?

“DB Guru.”

How is that going?

“It is going really well right now. I’m getting a lot of looks out there.”

How is playing 7v7 helping your game?

“It is helping my coverage skills. I’m going against some of the nation’s best receivers. That is really helping. Some of the best QBs too. The QBs can put it on the money out here. My hips are getting better. It is just a faster version of regular football.”

Have you gone to any camps yet?

“No, but I am heading to the Oakland Nike Regional in May.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“The most interest are from my offer schools, Nevada, Cal-Poly, and Sacramento State. Fresno State is showing some interest.”

Do you have any visits planned coming up?

“I’m visiting Fresno State tomorrow (Saturday).”

What has you excited about that visit?

“I just want to see what they have in store at Fresno State. I have been talking about it for the past couple of months with their coaches. I’m pumped now after talking about it for so long.”

What all is planned to do during your visit?

“They said we will tour the facilities, watch their spring practice, and take pictures too.”

Are you playing any other sports this spring or summer?

“No.”

What is your GPA?

“3.5.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I’m taking the SAT next Wednesday and the ACT next Saturday.”

Last question, who do you have in the NCAA Championship Game?

“I have not been paying attention. My bracket is destroyed. I had Kentucky.”

McKenzie, good luck with your visit to Fresno State and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: twitter.com; Edison takes the field.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 22 McKenzie Barnes.