A self-proclaimed “gargantuan high schooler” on his Facebook profile, David Barrent will soon be a gargantuan college student when he comes to East Lansing in the summer of 2009.
Barrent, a 6-foot-8, 290-pound offensive tackle from West Des Moines Valley High in Iowa, is one of 16 verbal commitments for MSU’s 2009 recruiting class.
According to recruiting Web site Rivals.com, Barrent is a four-star recruit, but the accolades don’t end there. Rivals.com also ranks Barrent as the No. 1 overall prospect in Iowa, the No. 2 best pass blocker in the nation and the No. 9 offensive tackle in the country.
The State News spoke with Barrent earlier this week about his high school success (which hasn’t ended yet), MSU football and what happened between May and July that led him to switch his verbal commitment from Iowa to MSU.
The State News: How is your high school team doing this year?
David Barrent: (Today) we play in the state semi-final game. It’s been really exciting. We’re 12-0 and we’ve just been having a lot of fun. We’ve been successful throughout our high school careers. Last year we went 11-1, so hopefully we make it to the state championship game this year. It’s just been a really fun time for me.
SN: According to Rivals.com, you’re ranked the top overall prospect in Iowa and the second best pass blocker in the nation. What can you tell us about your game?
DB: As far as my game goes, I think it has a lot to do with technique — I’ve been coached technique by great coaches in my high school career and technique is something they stress. I know if it’s off then I won’t play as well. That, and also the weight training I’ve done in the summer and the speed training as well.
SN: Last month, you were selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game in San Antonio, Texas. What were the first thoughts that crossed your mind when you found out you were selected?
DB: I thought it was really exciting because you see all these guys play in the game on TV and I think it’s going be cool to be a part of that. Also, I thought about my cousin (Brian Hart) who’s fighting in Iraq right now and I thought this was a way I could support him and what he’s doing.
SN: Last summer you switched your commitment from Iowa to MSU. What happened with Iowa and why did you switch to MSU?
DB: I just kept thinking about Michigan State and I just remembered coming home from my visits and liking it a lot. I just had a change of heart and I decided that was a better direction for me to go.
SN: What type of reaction did you get from friends and family members throughout Iowa?
DB: My friends, their reaction was that they supported me — they want me to do what’s best for me. There was some poking fun that I changed my mind, but they genuinely supported me.
SN: What are your thoughts on MSU’s season so far?
DB: It’s been great to watch this season go along. They’ve been really successful this year.
They bounced back after a tough loss to Cal, went on a nice run, then had a tough game against Ohio State, but they kept going on after that.
Next week, they have a great chance to play Penn State for a share of the Big Ten championship. I think it’s been a real improvement and a great time for them to show that they’re a great team in the Big Ten and can be successful.
SN: What is something interesting about you outside of football that MSU fans should know?
DB: Well, I guess I was an intramural basketball champion. I used to play competitively, but stopped to lift more. But intramurals are always fun.
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