Barnes Takes A Big Step Up

In the 12-year history of Ravens football, the team would typically draft players from collegiate powerhouses. A look through the media guide confirms this notion: six draftees from Oklahoma, four picks out of Alabama, three as Florida Gators.

That's why Antwan Barnes is an exception. Hailing from Florida International University, a school that began playing football in 2002, Barnes literally had to create a tradition.

Now in Baltimore, where defense takes the marquee billing, the linebacker is just looking to be a part of tradition.

"Going to a program where [the tradition] is already there, all you have to do is pick [it] up," Barnes said. "You know how it's been for the past few years, and all the people that came through and all the people that are still here.

"You know that coming in, and as a defensive player, you look forward getting a chance to add your name to the list."

There hasn't been much to cheer for in the brief history of FIU football - that is, except Barnes. In his four seasons, the Golden Panthers went an uninspiring 10-35 while trying to build a program in the gridiron hotbed of south Florida.

Despite mounting losses, the 22-year-old Miami native stood out as a potential superstar.

With 23 sacks and 224 tackles to his credit, including a whopping 57 tackles for loss, Barnes earned first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors his junior and senior campaigns. The wowing continued in February's NFL Combine, where he ran an impressive 4.45-second 40-yard dash and lifted 225 pounds 31 times.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan knew the athletic freak could certainly excel on his defense, which covets players that can

"Everybody's going to notice him," said Ryan. "He's a young man who is an explosive athlete. This could be a guy who, if he keeps his head on straight, is going to be a major contributor for us. We're going to find out. He's one of these rare guys.

"He's got all the athleticism, looks like he has the desire and he wants to be a Raven. That's a good combination."

Barnes will be called upon to use his combination of skills to step in as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker on the Ravens' multiple-look defense, much in the mold of a Terrell Suggs or Gary Stills.

During the Ravens' voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), the rookie got work at both positions, subbing for Suggs at linebacker and for Trevor Pryce at end when one or both of the veterans were away from team headquarters.

While Barnes admitted that making the leap from FIU to Baltimore was a large one, the added playing time has allowed him to speed up his learning curve.

"I think I'm progressing like I want to, learning the plays quickly by really getting the reps that I need," explained the rookie. "I've been working a lot with the first team. But, it hasn't been easy. We do two-minute [drills that show] how fast it goes. I've picked it up pretty good so far, but when I first came in, ooh, it was a learning stage.

"I was falling down everywhere," he added with a laugh.

Before heading back to Miami to work out before training camp, Barnes left with a clear understanding on the area where he needs to focus: conditioning. The players must report back to camp on July 29.

"If you don't come in shape, there's no way that you can make it," he said after hearing about the sweltering August practices in Westminster, Md. "They tell you, ‘You think OTA's are fast, once you get to training camp it's no joke'. The only thing I want to do is come in here and be in shape."

That type of advice is gold to any rookie, and Barnes has been soaking up as much as he can on the field and in the locker room, where his stall is located near Suggs, Stills, Ray Lewis and Steve McNair.

"I think I'm in the best spot in the locker room," Barnes affirmed. "Being next to T Sizzle, G Stills, and Steve and Ray, I mean, [this is] nothing but the best spot because you can just turn to the side and ask for advice on anything. I don't have to go across the room; you know, you just talk to them and they're right there with you."

It's a small luxury, but then again, it's also a safe bet that the Ravens' locker room is much larger than Barnes' old one.