Roughnecks Sign Former NY Giants DB
March 16, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
ODESSA, TX: The Odessa Roughnecks announced Monday afternoon, March 16, that the organization has acquired former New York Giants and Michigan State DB Darren Barnett for the '09 season. Barnett (6'0", 186 lbs.) was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He spent the majority of the season on the practice squad and helped the Giants while during their incredible Super Bowl Championship run in '07-'08.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Barnett played high school ball at Princeton High where he caught 90 passes on offense at wide receiver and intercepted eight passes at defensive back during his senior season (2002). His outstanding senior campaign led to an All-Ohio selection that year. Barnett was heavily recruited by Big Ten programs; Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan State. Barnett chose to attend Michigan State where he had a very solid first season with the Spartans program. Darren is the nephew of former MSU star Harlon Barnett.
However, Barnett transferred to Southwest Missouri State where he was named to the 2004 All-Gateway Conference First Team Defense at defensive back. After a great college career at SMS, Barnett was then signed to the New York Giants. Barnett was released by the Giants in August of the '08-'09 season while during training camp.
"I'm excited about bringing in a young NFL-caliber player like Darren. He will be an impact player when it comes down to coverage in the secondary. He has all the tools and skills to be a playmaker at this level." stated Odessa Roughnecks Head Coach, Chris Williams.
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