On Saturday, four-star prospect Marlon Barnes visited Pitt for the second time this year, taking in the football game with current Panther John Hugley as well as coaches Jeff and Jason Capel.
“It was cool, it was a nice trip,” Barnes told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I mean, they didn’t win, but overall it was nice, it was fun. Got to hang out with John. We went straight to the game when I got there and it was fun.”
Barnes is a 6-foot-6 wing who attends Hugley’s alma mater, Brush High School. He is currently ranked as the No. 53 prospect in the class, according to 247 Sports, and had an excellent summer playing with Bates Fundamentals. Known as a very strong shooter, Barnes also possesses the physical tools to compete at the next level.
After starting his high school career at Brush playing alongside Hugley, Barnes played last year at Ypsi Prep. However, in late August, he announced that he would once again be playing for head coach Chet Mason at Brush for his junior season.
“John [Hugley] always says something about me coming,” Barnes said. “He might say something like ‘When are you going to come down here to Pitt? Or ‘It’d be crazy if Chet [Mason] sent two players to Pitt.’ He said that a couple of times yesterday.”
After his first trip to Pitt this summer, Barnes was ecstatic about the Pitt facilities, staff, and campus. Now, with this being his third visit to Pitt in the past few years, he has gotten very comfortable with the program.
“Me and coach [Capel], we have a good relationship,” he added. “We talk quite a bit. I talk with Coach Jason as well.”
Barnes, who holds offers from Miami, Cleveland State, and Pitt, included that Cincinnati, Iowa State, Central Arkansas, and Akron have all also been pursuing him the most as of late. With all of this interest coming in and several visits under his belt, who is leading his recruitment?
“As of right now, probably Pitt,” Barnes answered. “They have been on me heavy, and of course I’ve been down there a few times. The coaches are very interested and they like me a lot.”
He said he is planning to visit other schools, but does not currently have any set up. As for a commitment timeline, Barnes said that he is not sure when is going to commit, and that he still has the whole year to decide.
Pitt doesn’t seem to have much competition for this kid so maybe Capel can actually sign someone he offers. That probably means he’s pedestrian,too.
Capel doesn’t need any competition to lose a recruit, just look at his recruiting record. Get Orlando Ontario to come home.