DeLaSalle's Barker a triple threat

Whether receiving, placekicking or punting, A.J. Barker is a one-man gang for the Islanders.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune

Last update: November 28, 2008 - 7:38 AM

Most football coaches are fortunate enough, at some point in their careers, to describe a player's contributions by saying, "I wish I had 22 just like him.''

DeLaSalle's Dick Weinberger has gotten closer to coaching nirvana than most the past two seasons. He's had the luxury of having three A.J. Barkers.

There is Barker the receiver, who this season became the state's all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdown catches. There is Barker the placekicker, who possesses one of the strongest legs in Minnesota high school football. And there's Barker the punter, whose long, tight spirals are a defense's best friend.

And speaking of defense, Barker would take more than a few snaps at defensive back if Weinberger didn't find the need to give the kid a break once in a while.

Doing it all? Barker said he's just doing what comes naturally.

"I'm an athlete and I'll go wherever they need me,'' he said. "It's a lot of fun; I love always being on the field.''

When he's not on the field he's on the basketball court as the Islanders' starting shooting guard. Or competing in track, in which he qualified for the state meet last year in the long jump.

Not to be overlooked: Barker is considering attending an Ivy League school next fall.

Barker (6-1, 180) became Minnesota high school's all-time leader in career receptions and touchdowns this season. He spent his first two high school years at St. Paul Academy/Mounds Park Academy and established the records despite playing in a run-oriented offense at DeLaSalle the past two seasons.

Barker has 37 catches for 704 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

"He takes a lot of pride in his blocking, which is something that isn't always high on a wide receiver's priority list,'' Weinberger said. "He's had a number of what we call touchdown blocks, the key block downfield on a run that has allowed the running back to score. That is just pure desire.''

As for the records, Barker seemed unfazed by the accomplishment.

"It's cool,'' he said, "but I don't think about it much. I'd trade the records for a state championship any day.''

The Islanders will get a second chance at beating Glencoe-Silver Lake for the Class 3A title on Saturday at the Metrodome. The Panthers defeated DeLaSalle 56-20 in the championship game last season.

Win or lose, Barker will play a major role for the Islanders.

"One of his major contributions that is somewhat overlooked is his ability to kick the ball into the end zone on kickoffs,'' Weinberger said. "As an offense [-minded] coach I know how tough it is to have to go 80 or more yards for a touchdown.

"And if A.J. doesn't reach the end zone he can kick it high enough that we can make the tackle inside the 20.''

Weinberger said Barker has the best leg he has seen in high school since Chip Lohmiller kicked for Woodbury in the late-1980s. Lohmiller went on to kick for the Gophers and for nine seasons in the NFL.

Barker is open to kicking in college but said he believes he can contribute as a receiver on the Division I level. He has received invitations from the Gophers and Wisconsin to join their programs as a walk-on.

"Regardless of where I go, I'm going to have to prove myself, whether it's as a walk-on or not,'' Barker said. "So I would be fine with walking on.''

He could prove to be quite the package for someone.