ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL
Alabama QB transfer Blake Barnett commits to ASU
Dec 5, 2016, 9:13 PM | Updated: 10:34 pm
Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett (8) hands off to running back Bo Scarbrough, right, as Southern California defensive end Porter Gustin watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Former Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett committed Monday to Todd Graham — on the head coach’s birthday no less — and the Arizona State football program.
The 5-star prospect from the 2015 recruiting class is currently taking classes at Palomar College in California after he left the Crimson Tide in September. Barnett was the opening day starter for Alabama, the No. 1 team in the nation, but was replaced after two series against USC for Jalen Hurts, who eventually became the full-time starter.
Barnett, who 247 Sports ranked as the No. 21 player in his recruiting class, went 11-for-19 for 219 yards and two touchdowns in 2016.
Barnett confirmed the news by tweeting a picture of himself, Graham, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and passing game coordinator Jay Norvell. Also in the photo was a birthday cake that said, “I’m in.”
Forks Up #committed pic.twitter.com/buQWSnOuex
— B² (@Blake8Barnett) December 6, 2016
How did the Barnett family present the cake to Graham?
As a surprise, of course. And they caught the whole thing on video.
See for yourself.
#Boom Great night & Happy Birthday @CoachGrahamASU #ForksUp #ASU pic.twitter.com/qTManfIRFm
— Lance Barnett (@LanceBarnett) December 6, 2016
Per NCAA rules, the 6-foot-5, 215 pound Barnett will be eligible to play for ASU after four games as long as he follows through with several academic benchmarks as part of his transfer. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
ASU could return a full set of quarterbacks, though Barnett’s commitment could hint at future transfers out of the program. Redshirt sophomore Manny Wilkins, redshirt freshmen Brady White and Bryce Perkins, and freshman Dillon Sterling-Cole are eligible to return. All except Perkins, who suffered an injury before the year, played as injuries hit the quarterback position hard this season.
The Sun Devils also have 2017 4-star quarterback recruit Ryan Kelley out of Basha High School committed to the program.
Who is calling plays for ASU next season could be in question with first-year ASU offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey reportedly fielding offers for head coaching jobs elsewhere.
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