Maurice Barnes Maurice Barnes 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA is a good player who makes an excellent 1-2 punch in the backfield with Nazir Jones-Davis Nazir Jones-Davis 6'0" | 210 lbs | RB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA . He has a great feel as a running back, as he can hit the hole. Then, as a linebacker, he is a huge difference maker. His ability to read and react to the play and come upfield to make a play is impressive. He sees the ball, and he flies upfield to make tackles in or near the line of scrimmage. He is also an excellent tackler, especially in the open field. Barnes also shows a good ability to blitz and put pressure on offenses. Against a talented Roman Catholic team, Barnes will need to chase plays all over the field to help get the win.

Maurice Barnes Maurice Barnes 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA is someone whose recruitment I think has been puzzling to me. He is an outstanding prospect, and I am shocked by how little love he is getting from Colleges. He is a talented two-way player as a linebacker and running back. He is equally as talented at both positions. I think he ultimately ends up at linebacker in College because his instincts to play the position are so high. The only offer I see on his Twitter account is UConn from January. I expect more offers to come for this talented 2026 prospect.

The other top running back is Maurice Barnes Maurice Barnes 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA who also plays as a linebacker. Barnes is a tough and physical running back who is hard to bring down. He also does a good job as a linebacker who is a tackling machine for McDevitt. Barnes could make a big impact on this game on both sides of the ball.

Bishop McDevitt rolled on Friday night over Exeter 48-14. Maurice Barnes Maurice Barnes 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA is one of two dominant rushers on the McDevitt team. Barnes, known more as a defender, is also a legit running back who is hard to bring down. He has quickness and good lateral movement in the hole. At linebacker, he makes plays all over the field as well. McDevitt is known more for the throwing of the football with Kentucky commit Stone Saunders Stone Saunders 6'1" | 205 lbs | QB Bishop McDevitt | 2025 State PA , but Barnes is trying to make a case that they are a running team as well.

The top-ranked 2026 linebacker in Pennsylvania put forth quite the performance at back. I’ve gone on record before stating how tough it is to distinguish what position Barnes projects to at the next level, Barnes provides special reps at both backer and back. We saw this play out against MSJ. Great play at backer while simultaneously splitting reps with Nazir Jones. It just so happens that Barnes put one hell of a highlight on tape after catching a screen pass. Barnes would barrel through a DB on his way to a 50+ yard score, wowing media in attendance. Reps like this that showcase Barnes’ ability with the ball in his hands throws a wrench in my evaluation. Coaches at his future collegiate home will have the fun problem of deciding where he best fits. For now, guys like me will enjoy watching elite-level play on both sides of the ball.

Maurice Barnes Maurice Barnes 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Bishop McDevitt | 2026 State PA is one of the most explosive and talented players in the class of 2026. He is a dynamic linebacker who runs sideline-to-sideline chasing plays all over the field. He is a physical tackler who when he hits a player feels his blows. Barnes can also rush the passer where he shows dynamic pass-rushing skills. He will probably see the field as well at running back next season for McDevitt. His recruitment is also starting to pick up with him visiting Penn State twice so far.