What they're saying about Deion Barnes as the next Penn State football defensive line coach
Penn State has hired Deion Barnes as its next defensive line coach. The multi-year graduate assistant moved into an analytics coordinator role this off-season. Then, on March 13, he was announced as the new defensive line coach to replace John Scott Jr. He left the Lions in February to take over the same role with the Detroit Lions.
“We are excited to have Deion represent his alma mater as our defensive line coach,” Penn State coach James Franklin said in a released statement. “I have really been impressed watching him grow as a coach and leader these last three seasons. Deion’s passion for Penn State and the defensive line room has been a differentiator.
“It is clear to me that he wears his pride for this University through his work. The respect the players and staff have for Deion showed every day. I look forward to watching him continue to develop and inspire our defensive linemen. He was a great addition to our staff in 2020 and I look forward to watching him thrive in this new role.”
Penn State staff members share their excitement
There was no lack of excitement from current Penn State staff members about Barnes being promoted to the role of defensive line coach. The tweets below say it all.
Barnes weighs in on his new gig
Penn State didn’t just release a statement from James Franklin. It also released one from Barnes himself.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the defensive line coach for my alma mater,” Barnes said. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Franklin for giving me this opportunity to lead a room of tremendous young men who have worked so hard each and every day.”
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Barnes also discussed his love for Penn State.
“I have a lot of pride and passion for Penn State University,” he said. “I am excited to go to work with this coaching staff, this team, my letterman brothers and the best fans in college football.”
PJ Mustipher supported Barnes being the pick, as well
At the NFL Combine, former Penn State defensive tackle PJ Mustipher threw his support behind Barnes during an interview with PennLive.
“I want Coach Franklin to hire him. I think he should,” Mustipher said. “He’s put in a lot of work into our defensive line. Deion and Coach Scott, that tandem was phenomenal. I spent a lot of time in the offseason with Deion working on a lot of different stuff, you know, my footwork, my hands, my eyes, technique, all that. He was really hard on me. We spent a lot of hours watching film. He spent a lot of time correcting me, cussing me out or telling me how bad I played in the game. All that has helped me get to where I’m at.”
Former Penn State defensive line coach John Scott Jr., shares opinion on hire
Former Penn State and current Detroit Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr., has weighed in on the hire.
