
02-05-2009, 09:45 AM
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Head Coach
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Quote:
Former Ohio State coach John Cooper helped develop Buckeyes as ?Cornerback U?
By Chick Ludwig | Wednesday, February 4, 2009
OSU?S LEGACY OF CORNERBACKS
LURES BARNETT TO COLUMBUS


Northmont High School senior C.J. Barnett didn?t envision wearing Scarlet and Gray when the recruiting process began.
?I wanted to go down South, where it was warmer,? he said.
But a closer inspection of Ohio State history ? especially its ability to crank out NFL cornerbacks ? and a promise from a friend changed his mind.
Barnett, one of the nation?s top cornerback prospects, signed his national letter of intent with Ohio State on Wednesday, Feb. 4, joining a dozen other Greater Western Ohio Conference stars in a ceremony on National Signing Day at the Huber Heights Athletic Foundation Center.
?When I first started playing corner my sophomore year, I didn?t know how,? said Barnett, a 6-foot-1, 187-pound first-team All-Ohio Division I performer in 2008. ?I got a DVD that taught me how to play.?
The instructor: Former Ohio State head coach John Cooper.
?He spoke about all their DBs who had a chance to go to the next level,? Barnett said. ?I figured if I can do what I need to and be a starter, then I have a good chance. After looking at Ohio State and seeing what they have to offer, that?s the best choice for me.?
Kurt Coleman, the Buckeyes? starting strong safety from Northmont, decided to return to Ohio State in 2009 and not make himself eligible for the NFL draft in April. He urged Barnett to join him in Columbus.
?Kurt told me, ?If you come, I?ll stay and show you the ropes,? ? Barnett said. ?I said, ?All right. I?ll hold you to that.? He held true to his word.?
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DaytonDailyNews: Dayton, Ohio, news and information
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