Marcus Barnes always had NFL aspirations.
When he was in high school, he and his teammates would talk about making it to “the league.”
His father, Johnnie Barnes, was a ninth-round draft pick in 1992 and played wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, so he came with pedigree.
The younger Barnes, a Jeannette alum, plays on the other side of the football but hopes to follow in his dad’s footsteps to the game’s highest level.
Barnes, a senior safety at William & Mary, recently announced he is declaring for the NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wis. (The event comes to Pittsburgh in 2026).
Barnes, who will play in the Trillion Tropical Bowl on Jan. 19 in Orlando, Fla., had an impressive final college season. He tied for the Coastal Athletic Association lead with four interceptions and made 69 tackles.
He had nine interceptions in 38 career college starts. Early draft reports indicate scouts like his long frame, ball-hawking knack and ability to cover a lot of ground.
Robert Kennedy, another Jeannette product who won WPIAL and PIAA titles with Barnes, declared for last year’s pro draft. While he was not selected, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent and later was added to their practice squad.
Kennedy finished his meandering college career at N.C. State.
Long time coming ???????? pic.twitter.com/euDIcOYkzX
— 7 (@Marcus_barnes3) December 24, 2024
Football
Pitt: Redshirt junior lineman Matt Metrosky (Greensburg Central Catholic), who did not see any playing time the past two seasons, is entering the NCAA transfer portal and will look to play elsewhere as a grad transfer.
The 6-foot-1, 295-pound Metrosky, joined the Panthers in 2021 as a walk-on and played in one game to preserve a redshirt.
I would like to thank the University of Pittsburgh along with the coaching, support, and strength staffs for making my last 4 years such a great experience. With that being said I will be entering my name into the transfer portal as a grad transfer. #H2P pic.twitter.com/FBnSSNHlkT
— M (@MattMetrosky) December 27, 2024
Men’s basketball
Saint Vincent: Bearcats coach D.P. Harris will go for a milestone Monday in Latrobe.
SVC will host nonconference opponent Adrian at 3 p.m. at Carey Center. A win will mark the 400th of Harris’ career.
Harris, who has spent 19 seasons leading SVC over two stints, is 399-62 going into the matchup.
