Class of 2020 Early Signing Period Profile: AJ Barner
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Written by Nathan Comp
Name: AJ Barner
Position: Tight End
Height/Weight: 6’5, 225 Pounds
Hometown: Aurora, OH
High School: Aurora High School
247Sports Composite: 0.8468, 3-Star (1198 Natl, 56 TE, 49 MS)
Other Offers: Michigan State, Ohio, Akron, Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Youngstown State
Amid the chaos revolving around Indiana’s bowl game announcement, the Hoosiers gained a commitment from a tight end out of Ohio, AJ Barner. Barner was a late target for Nick Sheridan and Indiana as Barner began to dominate late in his high school career and garner interest from a number of larger programs, including Michigan State and Pittsburgh.
At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Barner could also fit the frame of a linebacker or even an edge rusher, but Indiana has ensured that he will have first crack at the tight end position. He’s a quick athlete that projects as a nice offensive weapon in Indiana offenses of the future.
Being able to play tight end was an important factor in securing Barner’s commitment. “In Coach Deboer’s offense the tight end has a lot of opportunities to be lined up in many different spots. I like just how much use they get out of the position.”
Barner will join the Hoosiers in the summer after graduation.