Barnes ready to make impact in Georgia game

CLEMSON — Safety Khalil Barnes exploded onto the college football scene last year after recording a team-best 41 tackles and three interceptions in his first year at Clemson.

Now, the sophomore steps away from his rookie role and steps into a role characterized by leadership and confidence as he begins his second year for the Tigers.

Barnes met with the media Wednesday to discuss his new role ahead of No. 14 Clemson’s season opener against his hometown team, the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

Barnes expressed gratitude for the trust his coaches placed in him last year, and how that has continued this season.

“It’s definitely a blessing to play in a year where the coaches could trust me. I’ve seen things,” he said. “I’ve played more ball now, so the game has slowed down. That’s probably the biggest part, the game slows down and I see the concepts as they develop and I trust myself.”

Last year, Barnes wore No. 36 for the Tigers. With the new season, he will wear a new No. 7 jersey, named after one of his favorite players, Tyrann Mathieu.

Mathieu, a former LSU safety and current New Orleans Saint, wore No. 7 during his two seasons with LSU. Nicknamed the “Honey Badger,” Mathieu generated a total of 14 turnovers in just 14 starts. Barnes wants to bring that same “Honey Badger” energy to Clemson’s defensive secondary.

He got off to a good start.

Barnes was the Tigers’ most turnover-causing player last year, adding a couple of forced fumbles and returning a fumble for a touchdown in Clemson’s win over rival South Carolina last year. It was the Tigers’ only touchdown of the game.

“The highlights speak for themselves. He’s a playmaker and I want to be like that, I want people to have that same kind of feeling,” Barnes said. “When he stepped on the field, they knew and trusted that he was going to do something to impact the game. I want to have that same type of impact.”

Barnes’ impact will be crucial against Georgia, as Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck returns after a breakout campaign in 2023.

The Tigers venture to Barnes’ home state of Georgia on Saturday (noon, ABC) to open their season against the Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Aflac Kickoff Classic.