TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–After visiting three different schools in the Pac-12, quarterback Blake Barnett has committed to Arizona State. The former Alabama signal caller took to Twitter to reveal the news on Monday, posting a photo of him with his father and the Sun Devils coaching staff.
Forks Up #committed pic.twitter.com/buQWSnOuex
— B² (@Blake8Barnett) December 6, 2016
Barnett, a five-star recruit, transferred to Palomar Community College from Alabama during the middle of the season. If all his credits transfer properly, the California native will be able to play for Arizona State in 2017 (after sitting four games). Prior to leaving the Crimson Tide, Barnett started week one against Southern California and would complete 11 of 19 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
The 6-foot-5, 216-pounder was the highest rated quarterback signed by Nick Saban and per multiple recruiting sites, Barnett was the nation’s top pocket passer and top dual threat guy in the 2015 class.
Head coach Todd Graham and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey are probably tickled pink to have him, as the Sun Devils finished at 5-7. Despite its quarterbacks completing 60.5 percent of passes, all have accounted for 14 interceptions combined. Graham returns Manny Wilkins, Dillon Sterling-Cole and Brady White to next year’s roster, but Barnett has the most upside.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
