Brandon Barnett Moved Back To Tailback @ U of A

[RazorbackFan]

from the  Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Razorbacks Report
BY CHRIS BAHN AND TOM MURPHY

Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2007

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Barnett is switching to offense

FAYETTEVILLE — Brandon Barnett's natural ability won out.

Barnett has been shifted back to running back after a preseason experiment at cornerback. Arkansas coaches tried Barnett on defense because of a surplus of talent in the offensive backfield and depth issues in the secondary.

It is unlikely Barnett will provide immediate help at running back, the deepest position on the team. He'll be asked to contribute primarily on special teams.

"He's just a natural running back," defensive coordinator Reggie Herring said. "We gave him a shot, but he's just a natural over there."

Arkansas recruited Barnett, 5-10, 190 pounds, out of Texarkana as a running back and signed him as part of a 2005 class. Grade issues forced Barnett to Butler County (Kan. ) Community College where he redshirted his first season.

Barnett ran for 1, 056 yards and 14 touchdowns on 148 carries last season at Butler. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining with Arkansas.

Barnett's brief stint as a cornerback wasn't without a highlight. He showed his athleticism on a 30-plus-yard interception return in a preseason scrimmage.

Coaches could afford to move Barnett because of the recent addition of freshman cornerback Greg Gatson. Eligibility questions kept Gatson out of camp until this week.

Gatson, who has been timed at 4. 3 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has the sort of coverage skills that could help Arkansas this season. Freshman Isaac Madison also has had a nice showing in preseason practices.

Herring said moving Barnett was not an indication he feels comfortable with the depth at cornerback.
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