4-star CB Marcellus Barnes commits to Virginia Tech Hokies
Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie School four-star cornerback Marcellus Barnes took his first official visit of the summer to Virginia Tech on June 2. Barnes had no idea that this visit would be the one that changed that course of his recruitment.
That’s exactly what happened though as Barnes walked away from the trip knowing where he wanted to play college ball. Barnes announced his pledge to the Hokies Monday night picking them over Baylor, Florida State, Georgia and Michigan State.
“My family and I were pretty surprised,” Barnes told On3. “It was a feeling that I really can’t explain but I was really sure about my decision. I love every school that I’ve been to but this one is just different. I had a feeling and I knew it was the right place for me.”
Barnes is the second four-star recruit to pledge to the Hokies over the last two days joining top-200 linebacker Gabriel Williams who announced his commitment Sunday afternoon.
Like Williams, Barnes said a major factor in his decision was the way that the coaches, the school and community embraced him and made him feel like he was already home.
“Virginia Tech has a motto that says ‘This is home’ and a lot of schools that they’re home but Virginia Tech is just different,” said Barnes, No. 132 player in the 2024 On300. “It does feel like a home-type of vibe away from home. I really loved how the coaches embraced me and treated me like I was a priority.
“I feel like you should always go where you’re wanted. That blew me away so I committed.”
Hokies coaches made the decision for Barnes easy
The home type of feel he received while in Blacksburg Barnes said starts with the Hokies coaching staff.
During his first visit to campus in April is where Barnes first connected with Virginia Tech cornerback coach Derek Jones. That relationship has developed since then where Barnes says Jones has become like a mentor and father-figure to him.
“He really teaches me a lot and has open m eyes to a lot of things,” Barnes said. “He played a big part in my decision honestly. Obviously I’ll be with home a lot of the time but Coach Jones is a different type of coach. He’s a coach but he’s also like another dad to me so I know he’ll be able to help me on and off the field once I get there.”
A better future for himself as well as the program was a must for Barnes in his decision-making process.
On and off the field he has someone like Jones there to help him personally. When it comes to the program as a whole, he sees no one better suited to play for than Hokies head coach Brent Pry.
“I have a lot of confidence in Coach Pry in this program,” Barnes said. “I’m really excited about this class and he’s building something special. A lot of people sleep on them and I really like that. That’s why I committed.
“A lot of guys want to go into a winning program already which is fine, but I love the way Coach Pry is attacking everything with the mentality they have.”