55 Days Until Purdue Football: Derrick Barnes

Name: Derrick Barnes

Position & Size: OLB/Rush End, 6-1, 245 Pounds

Hometown: Covington, Kentucky

2019 Outcome: Starter at Defensive End - 63 Tackles, 11 TFL, 7.5 Sacks

2020 Prediction: Starting OLB/Rush End

Derrick Barnes has been around forever now it seems. He started playing right away as a freshman, appearing in all 12 games and starting in two of them.

During his time at Purdue, he has played Middle Linebacker and Defensive End.

This year, he will be asked to make a transition, again, to OLB/Rush End, which I think suits his skills best.

Last year he showed the clear ability to be able to rush the passer as he was tied with George Karlaftis in team sacks with 7.5, as he was playing defensive end in the 4-3 defense.

In the 3-4 scheme, we may seem him up more and with his hand in the dirt less. He has already showed the ability to play in space. During his sophomore season, he started at Linebacker tallied up 92 tackles, showing some definite promise.

As a senior, he has been through it all now. Playing multiple positions and gaining valuable experience.

This year he will be leaned on to lead a young defense through a transition. One in which he will only play one season in, but will help us for years to come.