Tavaris Barnes

Outstanding defensive end from Jacksonville, FL who had 25 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2009...had 80 tackles overall...hopes to continue a long line of outstanding Clemson players from Jacksonville, FL, a defensive heritage that has included seven-time Pro Bowl player Brian Dawkins...named to Florida Times Union Super 24 at the end of the season...named to Florida Times Union Preseason Super 11...Barnes has a 4-Star rating from Scout.com and Rivals.com...rated as the #29 defensive tackle in the nation and 47th best player in Florida by Rivals.com...#73 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com...#105 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com...a top 100 player in Florida by Super Prep ...comes to Clemson from First Coast High School...recruited by Jeff Scott...also a starter on the basketball team at First Coast...chose Clemson over Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, North Carolina and South Carolina....born Nov. 2, 1991.

Mickey Plyler on Tavaris Barnes: "Barnes is an effort guy. He has a great first step. This is an example of a prospect that worked his way into a four-star rating. I did not see him earlier in his high school career but his coaches say he worked his way into a ton of offers. He is a guy who can play defensive end early but might grow into an athletic defensive tackle. It is rare to go into Jacksonville and steal a guy that is committed to FSU."

Reminds Plyler of: Adrian Dingle