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Football Profile: C.J. Barnett: Northmont produces another member of OSU's secondary
Mark Stetson
Issue date: 2/16/09

C.J. Barnett didn't have a press conference on signing day.

In fact, he made his choice nearly a year before the bright lights and heavy coverage, verbally committing to Ohio State in February 2008. Barnett knew early on that he wanted to be a Buckeye.

"I chose Ohio State because it was a great overall place to be, I like the environment," he said. "I wanted to get the decision out of the way so I could focus on having fun my senior year in high school."

Barnett, a cornerback from Northmont high school in Clayton, Ohio, joined 24 other football prospects in signing with the Buckeyes. Despite being ranked the No. 13 defensive back in the nation and the No. 5 best player in Ohio by Rivals.com, Barnett flew under the radar during the recruiting process.



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"He has a lot of ability," said Kevin Noon, Managoing editor of ohiostate.rivals.com. "He seems to almost be a forgotten man; I think that's a mistake."

At six feet one inch, Barnett fits the traditional mold of a safety rather than a cornerback. Though he doesn't expect to change positions, C.J. will do whatever the coaching staff asks of him.

"It doesn't matter to me," he said. "I'm up for anything."

Football Profile: C.J. Barnett: Northmont produces another member of OSU's secondary - Sports