BREAKING: 3-star S Brody Barnhardt commits to NC State
Brody Barnhardt, one of the top class of 2024 safeties in North Carolina, officially announced his commitment to NC State Wednesday morning. The three-star safety picked the Wolfpack over UNC, Wisconsin and Virginia Tech.
NC State’s staff made him a clear priority for months, established itself as one of the favorites early in his recruitment and secured the commitment April 5.
After visiting NC State March 31, Barnhardt shut down his recruitment less than a week later. He plays for Charlotte (N.C.) powerhouse Providence Day School and put together a dominant 2022 season that included 102 tackles, 2 for loss, 5 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions.
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The coaching staff previously told Barnhardt he has the ability to play either safety spot or nickel with the Wolfpack. Over the past year, he built a very strong bond with defensive coordinator Tony Gibson.
“Coach Gibson being one of the top 10 DCs in the country, and the years the defensive staff there has under their belts with what they’ve been producing player-wise, developing their players, I don’t know any defensive player in the country that wouldn’t at least give them a look,” Barnhardt said last week.
The On3 Industry Rankings rates Barnhardt the No. 70 safety nationally and the No. 27 recruit in the state of North Carolina’s class of 2024. He is the fourth member of NC State’s 2024 recruiting class and the second defensive back, joining three-star nickel Asaad Brown II.
Brody Barnhardt recaps recent trip to NC State
“Really, the main thing coming down was to see the dorms and then also meet the strength staff, which I got to do both of those things, so it was a good trip,” Barnhardt said.
NC State’s on-campus housing looked good, and director of strength and conditioning Dantonio “Thunder” Burnette quickly made a positive impression.
“We really just wanted to kind of get the vibe of how their weight room training was at State, and Coach Thunder looks like he brings a lot of energy,” Barnhardt said.
Head coach Dave Doeren, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and safeties coach Joe DeForest all met with Barnhardt during his visit. His relationship with DeForest, his potential future position coach, is very strong, and that bond extends throughout the whole staff.
“I probably have the best relationship with the State coaches, just how much they’ve been reaching out, coming to see me and how many times I’ve been able to come see them at their place,” Barnhardt said. “So my relationship with all the coaches is really good, definitely starting to, I guess, feel comfortable around them.”
