Topics

More

Penn State Football Graduate Assistant Deion Barnes Promoted To Analyst Role

Once a Nittany Lion, always a Nittany Lion.

Penn State football head coach James Franklin made another change to his coaching staff by promoting Deion Barnes to the program’s offensive/defensive analyst and analytics coordinator.

Barnes previously served as a graduate assistant and assistant defensive line coach under John Scott Jr.’s guidance over the last three seasons. After maxing out his time as a graduate assistant, Franklin kept the former Penn State defensive lineman on staff for a more expansive position.

The Philadelphia native initially came to Happy Valley as a recruit in 2011 under Joe Paterno, but redshirted and registered zero appearances during his first campaign with the squad. The following season, the rangy edge rusher won Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2012 behind 27 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles. Barnes remained at Penn State until 2014, where he garnered letterman status en route to landing an undrafted free agent signing with the New York Jets.

After being waved by the Jets, Barnes landed in Kansas City as a member of the Chiefs’ practice squad unit in 2016. From there, the former four-star recruit took a three-year playing hiatus before nabbing a position with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football league in 2019 before the association’s demise.

Barnes hung up the cleats and landed as a graduate assistant at Penn State in 2020. Through three campaigns as a mentor at his alma mater, he’s been credited with forming relationships with recruits around the Philadelphia area.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Theo Koch

Theo is a sophomore at Penn State majoring in marketing. He is from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both of his parents attended Penn State, so he was born into this. He enjoys watching all sports, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any comments, questions, or concerns.

[Photo Story] Downtown State College Lights Up For Holidays

It’s the holiday season in Happy Valley and the decorations did not disappoint.

Big Ten Releases Penn State Football 2025 Conference Schedule

The Nittany Lions will play four games at home and five games on the road, starting with Oregon and ending with Rutgers.

FOX Big Noon Kickoff Personalities Should Stop Picking Fights With Penn State

FOX Big Noon’s hosts had a lot to say about Penn State football’s noon playoff game.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.1kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter