National analyst has Khalil Barnes set to make 'big jump'

Khalil Barnes could take another big step in 2024.

Brandon Rink - Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer - Monday, August 12 2024

Khalil Barnes put together quite an impressive freshman campaign.

One national analyst still has him in a group of players nationally set to make "a big jump."

247Sports' Blake Brockerkmeyer assembled a group of 21 college football players in position to make a move this year, including the sophomore Tiger.

"A freshman All-American in 2023, Khalil Barnes is primed to have a huge season for Clemson after forcing three fumbles and tallying three interceptions in seven starts," Brockermeyer said. "As his reps increased, Barnes finished the season strong and proved to be a force on the back end in both phases of the game. The 6-foot, 195-pound safety has a high ceiling and the room for improvement that I think we will see this season."

Khalil Barnes is very, very good. pic.twitter.com/0XlRaWv34d
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 26, 2023

Khalil Barnes pic.twitter.com/c7wZGAJoqQ
— Seldom Used Reserve (@seldomusedres) November 28, 2023

Georgia tight end and former Clemson target Oscar Delp, and then three players from Clemson's latter half of the schedule, Pitt tight end Gavin Bartholomew, Virginia wide receiver Chris Tyree, and Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, also made the list.

Among slightly more known players nationally for the Tigers, Barrett Carter debuted in CBS' preseason Top 50 NFL draft big board at No. 23.

Opener opponent Georgia (Aug. 31/Mercedes-Benz Stadium/noon/ABC) has five on that CBS Top 50, starting with EDGE Mykel Williams (4), then QB Carson Beck (6), safety Malaki Starks (20), Delp (38) and linebacker Smael Mondon (42).