A former player for the Golden Eagles, Brandon Barnes spent his first sason back on campus as an administrative assistant for Watson BRown’s coaching staff. In 2011, the former starter in the offensive line moves onto the field in the role of graduate assistant coach where he will work alongside assistant coach Sam Williamson with the defensive line.
   
A native of East Ridge, Tenn., Barnes, 26, was a starter in the offensive line during his four-year career with the Golden Eagles from 2004 to 2007. He graduated in December 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, specializing in criminal justice. He is currently enrolled and working toward a second bachelor’s degree, this time in business management.
   
Barnes was a team co-captain and three-year starter for coach Tim James at East Ridge High School. A standout on both sides of scrimmage, he helped his prep team to consecutive playoff appearances including the region title as a junior. He was also a three-year letterman on the track & field team, finishing as state runnerup in the shot put as a junior.
   
After his prep career, Brandon originally signed to attend East Tennessee State, but when the school’s football program was eliminated he made a smooth transition to Tennessee Tech. He played all but one game as a redshirt freshman in 2004. He was a regular in the offensive line for the next three years, including starting 22 consecutive games over the final two years. With Barnes up front, Tech had seven different OVC Offensive Player of the Week winners during his career.
   
In 2007, Barnes became just the fourth offensive lineman to win Tech’s Sonny Allen Leadership Award.