Middle Tennessee State University Linebacker T.T. Barber is set to have a huge impact for his Blue Raiders this fall. The Colquitt, Georgia, native was nominated as not only Pre-season First-Team All-Conference USA, but also received the honor of being listed in the Pre-season Lombardi Award Watch. The award is given to the nation’s top collegiate Down Lineman or Linebacker.
Barber, who wears jersey #38, turned out to be a gem for the Blue Raiders his Freshman season. T.T. appeared in ten games as a freshman. Straight out of the tunnel, Barber’s presence was felt. T.T. recorded 43 tackles and had an interception in the 2012 season. T.T. Barber reminisced on his freshman season saying, “Freshman season was a blast! ‘I remember stepping on the gridiron wide-eyed, thinking to myself this isn’t high school anymore.’”
His favorite Freshman year memories were ending a Georgia Tech drive by forcing a fumble that sparked a 49-28 upset over the Yellow Jackets, and his first start of his career against the Memphis Tigers. At the end of the season, Barber was named to the First-Team All- Freshman Sun Belt Conference team.
T.T. Barber had an even bigger impact in the 2013 season as a Sophomore. Barber had 118 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. T.T. earned himself a spot on the First-Team All-Conference USA team. Looking back on the 2013 season T.T. Barber said he had a lot of memories. Barber said,” The Southern Miss game comes to mind because I returned an interception for a touchdown. My other big memory from last season was against Marshall. They’re our biggest rivalry and we beat them on the last play of the game, literally.”
T.T. Barber plans to have a big 2014 season stating, “I want to be the best player I can be for my team. I want to minimize my mistakes this year. My main goals are to win every game, win the Conference USA Championship, and win a bowl game. Who knows, there may be a spot for the Lombardi Award too.”
T.T. Barber – 2013 Stats
- 119 Tackles (Team Leader)
- 3 Sacks
- 8.5 Tackles for Loss
- 2 Pass Breakups
- Three Interceptions
- 3 Quarterback Hurries
- See TT’s Full 2013 Stats (ncaa.org)
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