Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber commits to the Gophers

[DanielHouse]

The Gophers have received a commitment from three-star Jacksonville, Florida, offensive tackle Austin Barber. He chose Minnesota over offers from Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Illinois, Ole Miss and others, according to 24/7 Sports rankings.

Barber, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle, brings power, physicality and a big frame to the Gophers' offensive line room. On film, he drove through players in the second level and finished blocks consistently. He cleared several big holes and sealed the edge to spark positive runs. Barber showed the ability to adequately move and find work in the ground game. In one of the clips below, you’ll see him get out in front of a tunnel screen to spark the play.

I’ll have more on this addition in future articles! To read about Sunday's other commit, Cameron James, click here: https://bit.ly/3ecRS9U

 

[PitinoFan]

I like Barber’s highlight video better than James’. On almost every block, he ends up pancaking, and landing on top of them with all of his weight. He’s nasty. He moves well too.

 

[skiumah1]

Purcell, Barber and James all listed as tackles. I'm sure we'll see some movement from at least 1/2 of them to interior line spots. Seems like that transition isn't too much of a problem just going into college. Lots of learning, growth and development that will happen once they arrive.

 

[Livingat45north]

Sweet day for the Gophers

 

[Gophergrandpa]

Cameron and Barber in one day, with Purcell already in the fold, does a lot to shore up the OL going forward. Really like this class now.

 

[#2Gopher]

Cameron and Barber in one day, with Purcell already in the fold, does a lot to shore up the OL going forward. Really like this class now.

I'll say, at first I thought I got the names mixed up. Awesome!

 

[hungan1]

Purcell, Barber and James all listed as tackles. I'm sure we'll see some movement from at least 1/2 of them to interior line spots. Seems like that transition isn't too much of a problem just going into college. Lots of learning, growth and development that will happen once they arrive.

They have all the raw tools going into the next level in college where they will face bigger faster and stronger competition.

In two years, these kids are going to be polished players and student athletes.

The key to the future of the Gophers Offense is turning the Gophers into a destination of choice for linemen once we see them regularly drafted into the NFL.

PJ Fleck was true to his word. He said he is going to put players in the NFL with regularity when he was hired.

 

[USAF]

Purcell, Barber and James all listed as tackles. I'm sure we'll see some movement from at least 1/2 of them to interior line spots. Seems like that transition isn't too much of a problem just going into college. Lots of learning, growth and development that will happen once they arrive.

1/2 of 3 will move?

One will be left undersized, among other issues.