Georgia's Barnett enrolls early, only to wait

Georgia Bulldogs UGA logo
Georgia Bulldogs UGA logo

Even planning ahead doesn't always yield the desired results.

As a sophomore at Woodland High School in Dorchester, S.C., Michael Barnett decided he wanted to enroll early in college to get a quicker start to his football career at the next level. His destination eventually became the University of Georgia.

"I just kind of figured that staying in high school all four years wasn't going to really benefit me if I wanted to play in college," Barnett said. "It wasn't that tough to readjust things, because through eighth grade I had always been an honors student. So my credits carried over into high school, and in high school I stuck with the main courses and didn't really take many electives until my senior year."

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end was among Georgia's seven early enrollees in January, but he's the only one having to sit out spring drills. Several days after becoming a Georgia student, the school announced that Barnett would be undergoing surgery on his shoulder for a pre-existing condition.

Though he may not be getting the jump he desired on his college football career, Barnett is receiving better care than he would have in high school, and there is always much to learn from Bulldogs defensive line coach Tracy Rocker.

"He's always busy, but he's a really cool person," Barnett said. "He'll give you help when you need it."

Georgia held an 80-minute practice Friday in shoulder pads and shorts in preparation for this afternoon's scrimmage inside Sanford Stadium. It was the sixth practice this spring.

"We had a little shorter practice today because tomorrow is very important," Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said. "It's the first scrimmage of the spring and practice number seven. We're almost halfway through. We'll find out where we're at tomorrow."

Barnett was a consensus four-star signee who got on everyone's radar after a sophomore season at Woodland in which he tallied 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Though he will not record any stats this spring, Barnett is under way in his collegiate academics. He plans to major in journalism with a goal of being a sports analyst.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," he said. "My favorite was always (late ESPN commentator) Stuart Scott."

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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