Barnes Named Preseason All-American

Maryville College rising senior Blake Barnes has been named to the 2011 Consensus Draft Services Division III Preseason All-American Team following a breakout season in 2010.
Barnes, a defensive tackle from LaBelle, Florida, earned back-to-back second team accolades from the USA South Athletic conference following strong sophomore and junior campaigns. This 6’2”, 260 pounder was named to the D3football.com National Team of the Week following his effort against Ferrum College to conclude the 2010 regular season.
He posted eight total tackles, six solo, along with three and a half sacks and two more tackles for loss in the final regular season game of the season in Ferrum, Virginia.
The two-time All-USA South performer also had three quarterback pressures in helping Maryville limit Ferrum to 21 total yards rushing. Ferrum was averaging over 240 yards rushing in their option offensive attack.
Over the past two seasons, Barnes has amassed 55 total tackles that include 8.5 sacks and 23 stops for a loss of 88 yards. He has a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery while putting constant pressure on the offensive backfield.
“I am very happy for Blake and his selection for this preseason honor,” stated MC Head Football Coach Tony Ierulli. “His leadership and work ethic over the past three seasons will push him toward a successful senior campaign.
“I feel he is one of the most productive defensive linemen in the country from the ‘three technique’. He is constantly being double teamed and allows our linebackers to get to their gap but his tenacity shows he has a nose for the ball and can make any stop.”
Barnes is joined on the national team by fellow USA South standouts Marcus Mayo (Ferrum, Punt Returner) and Kentel Noel (Christopher Newport, Punt Returner).
Maryville College will welcome the 2011 football squad in mid-August and will prepare for their season opener on Sept. 3 when they host Huntingdon College on MC’s Honaker Field.