FB RECRUITING MTSU signs high-profile 2025 RB, former Penn State commit

[Shayne_Pickering]

He signed last week but it was not announced. He will enroll early in January. Big back with speed. Solid pickup

High-profile tailback Kiandrea Barker signs with MTSU, will enroll early

Running back Kiandrea Barker adds to a strong 2025 signing class.

middletennessee.rivals.com

 

[RaidRRick]

He signed last week but it was not announced. He will enroll early in January. Big back with speed. Solid pickup

High-profile tailback Kiandrea Barker signs with MTSU, will enroll early

Running back Kiandrea Barker adds to a strong 2025 signing class.

middletennessee.rivals.com

What's the rumor on why it was kept quiet for a week?

 

[RaiderDoug]

Between Taylor, Chandler, and this kid it looks like we have running back covered.

Now we just need more beef up front - only have 3 OLs and 2 DLs signed.

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

What's the rumor on why it was kept quiet for a week?

Not sure tbh. I didn't even hear his name until this week. Calvin Lowry connection (Was an offensive analyst at Penn State before here) so makes sense though

 

[Shayne_Pickering]

Between Taylor, Chandler, and this kid it looks like we have running back covered.

Now we just need more beef up front - only have 3 OLs and 2 DLs signed.

They'll attack the portal hard. Think they add 3-4 IOL and a couple tackles. DL they need any type of end really. A pass rushing interior guy would be nice too but they really want to set that edge. We will have to see who makes it in from portal and juco here this weekend

 

[AustinLewis]

They'll attack the portal hard. Think they add 3-4 IOL and a couple tackles. DL they need any type of end really. A pass rushing interior guy would be nice too but they really want to set that edge. We will have to see who makes it in from portal and juco here this weekend

The selling point for the portal / JUCO guys is that multiple starting spots along the OL & almost the entire defense are open. Lots of of opportunity for immediate & significant playing time.

 

[sWiley]

The selling point for the portal / JUCO guys is that multiple starting spots along the OL & almost the entire defense are open. Lots of of opportunity for immediate & significant playing time.

Wasn’t this the same narrative 12 months ago?

Don’t see how our defense can ever have a chance if we have no continuity. Frankenstein teams are almost always bad.

 

[AustinLewis]

Wasn’t this the same narrative 12 months ago?

Don’t see how our defense can ever have a chance if we have no continuity. Frankenstein teams are almost always bad.

Yes.

And I think you're right re: consistency.

The "good news" is that almost every team in CUSA has lost 10-20 guys (many of whom played significant roles). So every team - MT included - is having to rebuild.

I think the portal is good for players. I think getting a "free" transfer is good. But there is no consistency or continuity & eventually, I think that will hurt the product (CFB overall) and the players.

 

[Hop45]

Any chance we can get an update on the recruiting process for Barker? Just kind of a timeline as to his commitment/decommitment from PSU and then landing with us? Looked like he had a lot of big schools in on him and then just suddenly fell in our laps. Would like to know more of the back story. Thanks.