Ohio State Football: What C.J. Barnett’s hiring means
By Coop Ledford
The Ohio State football team officially announced the hiring of former Buckeye safety C.J. Barnett. Barnett takes over as Director of Player Development.
C.J. Barnett was one of the few Buckeyes to play for three head coaches during his time with the Ohio State football team. He was recruited by Jim Tressel’s staff, and played two seasons for Tressel, one season for Luke Fickell, and finished his college career being coached by Urban Meyer in 2013.
Urban Meyer went on to coach Ohio State until the 2018 season, retired for two seasons, and resumed coaching when he accepted a job with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meyer took with him to the NFL Ryan Stamper, who was Ohio State’s previous Director of Player Development, leaving a vacancy for Head Coach Ryan Day and Athletic Director Gene Smith to fill.
The Director of Player Development acts as a liaison between the players and coaches, quite an important position in regards to issues that may occur on-and-off the field. No one knows how to handle players better than a former player, and even more so, a former captain.
Barnett was voted as a captain his senior year, and made some big plays on the field as well. He intercepted Michigan’s Devin Gardner to secure a victory and save a perfect season in 2012, and also was the team leader in tackles in 2011.
The Dayton, Ohio native joined the Columbus Police Department in 2018 and has served on patrol duty since. Barnett is excited to be back at Ohio State and to work with the football team.
“I am really pleased to be coming back to work for a program that has given so much to me,” Barnett said. “I look forward to using my experiences to become a trusted advocate and resource for our players in all areas of their lives.”
This is a fantastic hire by Ohio State. C.J. Barnett exudes confidence, leadership, and professionalism. Ryan Day described the hire as a “perfect fit” and added, “His experiences as a player and as a member of the Columbus Police Department make him exactly the kind of person our players can learn and grow from.”
Next. TreyVeon Henderson will be a name to remember. dark
Barnett was a five-year senior at Ohio State who had great success. He will have tremendous success as he begins his coaching career.