By Mike Keeney, Contributing Writer
DeMarcus Barlow is a team-first player, that’s why the 2019 season was tough for him and his teammates.
The Davis High Falcons struggled to a 3-7 season under first-year head coach Scott Joseph, but Barlow made things interesting on Friday and Saturday nights this fall by rushing for 1,401 yards on 190 carries (7.3 yards per carry), and scoring 15 touchdowns and completing 16 of 36 passes for 348 yards and six more scores. He also caught two passes for 97 yards (48.5 yards per catch) and one touchdown.
In seven District 16-6A games, Barlow rushed for 1,106 yards (an average of 158 yards per outing).
Barlow’s big senior season earned him the Northeast News’ Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Barlow was also named the District 16-6A Offensive MVP, and first-team all district honors.
The 5′-10″, 210-pounder began the year as the Falcons’s featured running back, but Joseph felt he was needed under center and the amiable Barlow gladly accepted his new role.
“He never blinked an eye,” Joseph said, when he was asked to move to quarterback. We needed him there and we felt like we were a better football team at quarterback. Football means something to him.”
Joseph said Barlow has had a few college offers and he is hoping that after coaches see his film more will come calling after the first of the year.
“He’s got great vision, power and speed. He never goes down on the first hit. He sees stuff other guys don’t when he’s running. I hope somebody pulls the trigger on him because they will be getting a good football player and a quality kid. He has a good time playing the game.”
In addition to being a talented football player, Barlow is also a leader among his peers.
“He’s got it all, a good work ethic and leadership skills,” Joseph said. “The kids voted him as a captain, which means a lot when your peers vote for you for something like that. DeMarcus is a good team player. He’s well liked by his teammates. He’s the type of player who demands respect.”
Barlow is also a hard worker. He came up to the field house to work out everyday during the summer, except for three days when he attended two different football camps.
While Barlow was happy with his senior season, he wished the team would have had more success.
“It was pretty good,” he said, when asked what he thought about his senior season. “But as a team we didn’t get it done, so that was tough.”
Barlow’s favorite NFL running back is New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. “He has great vision and he can move,” Barlow said.
If he does not receive a scholarship offer, Barlow said he would walk-on at the University of Houston where he plans to major in engineering.
If the Cougars are smart, they will give the hard-working, hard-playing Barlow a chance. Their hunch might pay off handsomely in the long run.