Barnett was the first known member of Iowa’s 2028 recruiting class to verbally commit to a college. The Iowa City West junior pledged to play for his father, University of Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett. He’d also reported opportunities from Miami (OH) and South Dakota. Barnett started at guard as a freshman in 2024 before shifting over to center last season. The transition was seamless, as he excelled with traits that work well in the middle of the O-Line. He’s quick and explosive in tight quarters and operates with fast feet. His hands are active and strong. The coach’s kid understands leverage and angles. Barnett also is one of the state’s top performers in the field events for the track team.

The son of one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, James Barnett James Barnett 6'2" | 250 lbs | OL/DL Iowa City West | 2028 State IA has undoubtedly been on the radar of Division I teams at some point. A first-year starter for Iowa City West at center, that, not only got to learn from his father, but a second-round NFL Draft pick, Logan Jones, Barnett is one of the more fortunate prospects in the country.

Barnett, one of the elite throwers for his age group in the state, is explosive, high IQ and high character. Likely more overlooked because he’s the son of a staff member at Iowa, the 2028 OL deserves more opportunities than he’s been afforded at this point in his recruitment.

Barnett has made the switch from playing guard as a freshman last season to occupying the center position this year. The transition has been seamless and quite successful. The son of Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett has grown physically and sharpened his skills since his ninth-grade campaign. Beyond the five pancakes blocks for which he’s been credited, Barnett controls the action in the middle of line, displaying the necessary skill set to succeed in the involved, and sometimes hectic world of the center spot. He’s technically sound with active hands and a good pad level. Barnett plays balanced and is athletic enough to reach blocks in space with ease. He’s one of the better offensive lineman in the state already with plenty of room to grow.

Considered “a beast” by Head Coach Garrett Hartwig, James Barnett James Barnett 6'2" | 250 lbs | OL/DL Iowa City West | 2028 State IA — the son of Iowa offensive line coach, George Barnett — will be in position to start at center for the Trojans this season. In addition to playing some defense, the middle school national champion shot-put thrower and top-three finisher at state as a freshman will have a chance to follow in the footsteps of Colin Whitters Colin Whitters 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Iowa City West | 2026 State IA as the next great Iowa City West offensive lineman.

With the explosion required to be so prolific as a thrower, plus his genetic makeup and the opportunity to learn from Whitters again this season, Barnett is on an excellent trajectory toward playing football at the Power 4 level. As long as he continues to fill out his frame and work on his consistency snapping the ball, Barnett’s debut season on varsity should be a good one.

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Defensive end James Barnett James Barnett 6'2" | 250 lbs | OL/DL Iowa City West | 2028 State IA burst onto the scene with a strong freshman campaign for Iowa City West. The numbers won’t pop out at you, but the tape certainly does with his aggressive, fast style of play. Barnett impressed with his speed coming off the snap and his lateral quickness while in pursuit of the ball carrier. James is very quick to shoot his hands and use them to rip/swim/etc his way through to the backfield. He has the strength to lock up with linemen and drive them off the ball with his powerful base. Good run stopper who can set the edge. James does a good job of keeping his pad level low and attacking with good leverage. James’ game is still growing, but at this rate, I won’t be surprised to see colleges start to drop some offers.

The son of University of Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett, James Barnett James Barnett 6'2" | 250 lbs | OL/DL Iowa City West | 2028 State IA ‘s greatest talent right now is throwing in track and field events. Perhaps that ends up being his future, but that would be a shame for our game. During multiple in-person scouting opportunities this past season, Barnett stood out as a freshman in the trenches at the 5A level. The coach’s kid is technically sound on both sides of the ball, as you can gather while viewing his freshman highlights. Barnett mauls people on the interior of the OL, playing with excellent leverage. He’s a bulldog with burst at D-Tackle. With three years of high school ball remaining, the sky is the limit for Barnett.