Interview: 4-Star 2021 Tennessee WR Quenton Barnes Covers Workouts and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Throughout the 2018 high school football season, Cane Ridge High School had an offense no 6A Tennessee team wanted to face. The Ravens blistered opposing defenses for 39 points per game on average running their record to 11-1 with a two-game playoff extension. The ground game featured 2,000-yard senior rusher Devon Starling while the passing attack produced two unstoppable talents in senior Jaquez Norman and Class of 2021 receiver Quenton Barnes. Barnes play on the field caught attention of defensive coordinators across the state and college football scouts across the country.

Hard not to like what one sees in Barnes’ game. During his sophomore season he took in 28 passes for 450 yards with eight trips into the end zone helping the Ravens to a 13-2 season. He proved the 2017 campaign was no fluke hauling in 30 receptions for 582 yards with four scores with secondaries aiming to stop him. Off the field, the 6-2, 195-pound, target has hit the bull’s eye with colleges pulling down 16 Division-I offers: Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Virginia Tech.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star recruit to learn more about his play on the field and recruiting process off of it.

Interview

Quenton, you had a big season on the field for Cane Ridge in 2018. Overall, how did the season go for you?

“I thought I had a good season becoming the main target in our passing offense. I had more receptions this year. I picked it up over my sophomore year.”

What type of offense do the Ravens run?

“We run a three-receiver one-back spread offense.”

How are you featured in the offense?

“They feature me in one-on-one match ups, looks on the backside, and getting the ball to me in the open-field so I can make plays.”

You guys had some big games, which game was your best performance?

“I would say it was probably in our playoff game, the first one against Franklin (won 41-6). I had some big plays in that game and kept drives going.”

How do you feel your overall game improved last season?

“My game improved a lot with me coming out of breaks, I caught more passes, my explosion improved and my route running improved.”

Will your role or responsibilities on the team change at all in 2019?

“I am playing receiver and safety this season.”

Are you excited about playing safety?

“Yes, sir.”

What have you been working on this spring?

“I have been working on everything. I am focused on my route running.”

How are you feeling everything coming along?

“I am making people miss in the open-field.”

Have you been to any camps this offseason?

“Yes. I have been to an Opening Regional and I went to the Rivals camp in Ohio.”

How did the Nike camp go?

“It was straight. I had a game the day before the camp, I was a little sore for the camp. But, it was good.”

Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?

“I am probably going to a Vanderbilt and Tennessee camp.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 16 offers.”

Are you receiving any other recruiting interest?

“I am from Cincinnati.”

Are you planning on taking any visits this summer?

“I will probably visit Tennessee and Vanderbilt.”

Are you competing in any other sports for Cane Ridge?

“I compete in track.”

Which events?

“The 4×1 and 4×2.”

Nice. Last question. It is a tough one. With the NBA Finals, who ya got?

“The Warriors.”

Quenton, it was great learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Barnes family; Quenton Barnes