(Player Spotlight) - Eric Barnes #88, Nickname - "Big E" - Tight End, Defensive End, and Specialty Teams. *Ironman Player

Eric was our tight end, and he was big at 6'4" and 185 lbs. Eric could run a route that was text book, and Ronnie our quarterback, connected with him often. During the 1984 season, Eric caught 24 receptions for 394 yards, averaging 16.4 yards per catch and 7 touchdowns. He was a hard hitter, had great hands and could move the ball upfield after catching it. As a defensive end, Eric kept the play inside and knocked down many passes because he had an amazing leap, making it virtually impossible to complete a pass if Eric was in the way. Though he seemed like he was flashy, and a talker, he really wasn't on the field. He was business when we needed him. Eric rarely missed a catch, a block, or a tackle. I always liked to see him in the huddle because he would give me a nod. "Big E" is was what I called him. Eric made the 1984 season memorable because he was a big-impact player. He always had a cool story to tell and with me he had an audience. Thanks for the big plays, laughs, and stories Big E. We could not have done it without you. Thanks for the memories, Eric. You took names.