Do Cocks have inside track on DB
Three-star Rock Hill (S.C.) Northwestern defensive back C.J. Barber says his focus is 100 percent on leading his team into the playoffs and challenging for a state championship, but with the kind of attention he’s receiving from top programs, it’s hard to completely block out the recruiting process.
“I’m not real worried about the recruiting right now,” he said. “It’s the last thing on my mind to be honest with you. I just want to take care of business here at Northwestern, wait until our season is over, then start figuring out where I want to go.”
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Barber (6-2, 215, 4.5) has offers from Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson and North Carolina. Rated the No. 39 safety in the nation, he’s also receiving heavy interest from Auburn, Florida and Syracuse.
“I don’t have a favorite right now,” he said. “I need to take some more visits before I’m sure. I’ve been to two games at Clemson and two games at South Carolina. I liked both of those.”
He did, however, grow up rooting for one team in particular.
“I’ve always been a Carolina fan,” he said. “I like coach Holtz and his staff, plus I know a bunch of people on their team. I think it would be fun to play there, especially with coach Holtz. He’s a funny guy and a great coach.”
Georgia also has an “inside agent” in the battle for Barber. Tight end Ben Watson played for Northwestern before heading to Athens and has put in a good word for the Bulldogs.
“He’s going to be leaving after this year, but he told me I should really take a look at them,” Barber said. “He says it’s a great school and they have some great coaches.”
As a junior, Barber had six interceptions. This season, he’s been used primarily at wide receiver. He has 10 catches for 174 yards and one touchdown in a run-oriented offense.