UCLA trip impresses Barnett

Blake Barnett is putting up major numbers throwing and running the ball to start his junior season and college coaches are taking notice.

The 2015 quarterback from Corona (Calif.) Santiago took an unofficial visit to UCLA last weekend and he said those coaches have started to show a lot more interest. The Bruins haven't offered yet but there's no doubt they're recruiting him much harder.

"Before the game I got to go in the locker room for a little bit and then I went on the field and talked to (quarterbacks coach) Taylor Mazzone for a little bit about my game on Friday," Barnett said. "We just talked and had a short conversation. I went and ate and talked to some of the recruiting coaches.

"I went back out on the field and watched them do warm-ups. I also had a short conversation with (offensive coordinator) Noel Mazzone as well.

"It seems like they're getting more interested. It's a little more welcoming now."

Barnett, who's thrown for 860 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 480 yards and nine scores through four games this season, said UCLA is much more interested and others are getting involved as well.

"I've been in a little more contact with Oregon State and I'm receiving a lot of mail from Duke," Barnett said. "I'm also receiving a little more mail from Colorado."

The 2015 quarterback is also planning unofficial trips to Notre Dame and Tennessee later this season. Corona Santiago hosts Upland this weekend.