Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 16, 1993 TAG: 9309160060
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
In the middle of the season, Barry twirled his 300-plus pounds from Virginia Tech's defensive line to its offensive line. Almost two full seasons later, Barry's indelicate dance steps are helping crunch Tech opponents. In two games, the Hokies have gained 756 rushing yards, averaging almost 6 yards per carry, and haven't given up a sack.
Several observers, including his current and former position coaches, credit Barry with quick feet and agility. That's about as tender as he gets, however.
"We'll definitely smash people in the mouth," the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder said, using the figurative football description for physical play.
Barry arrived at Tech in 1990 after helping Park View High School in Sterling - under current Patrick Henry High School coach Ed Scott - win the Group AA state championship in his junior year and being named an All-Group AA defensive tackle as a senior.
The Hokies' staff wanted to redshirt him, but when Jerome Preston turned an ankle before the season's third game, Barry had to play in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
In '91, Barry played in Tech's first six games as a defender. Then, offensive lineman Todd Meade suffered a knee injury and Barry's future was rerouted.
After consenting to Tech coach Frank Beamer's request that he move to offense, Barry had a week to learn his lines before his debut against Cincinnati.
"It was really confusing," said Barry, who played nine snaps at guard in Tech's 56-9 victory. "I knew the assignments, but I didn't know any technique. I was trying to block people any way I could. I forgot how I was supposed to block them. I knew who [my target] was, but I forgot which way I was supposed to go."
Then-assistant coach Steve Marshall, now the offensive line coach at Tennessee, tutored the new kid in Offensive Line Play in One Week. By the end of 1991, Barry was the No. 2 tight guard.
Most position switches occur in the spring or early in fall practice instead of six days before a game.
"It happens probably more than you realize," Marshall said of the midseason switch across the line of scrimmage. "You're trying to get guys in the right position to get them on the field based on athletic ability."
J.B. Grimes, Tech's current offensive line coach, said he didn't know Barry's history as a Hokie, which means Barry's play must not have given his new coach any clues about his past. Now, he says, Barry could play for most any Division I-A team.
"My first impression was he was a really good `foot' athlete," Grimes said. "Obviously overweight at the time [last spring]. My feeling about him being able to carry the weight he was carrying at the time [329 pounds], after I saw him in action, wasn't quite as strong."
Barry has dropped about 15 pounds, although one thing hasn't changed: He knew he lacked speed, at least as a defensive tackle. He's one of the Hokies' top weightlifters, topping teammates in the push press (386 pounds) and bench press (450), but, please, don't talk about the 40-yard dash.
"My second year, I really realized I wasn't as suited to playing defense as offense. For my size, I was not quite as fast . . . you really need to be fast on the defensive line," he said. "On the offensive line, I feel more comfortable playing."
Now he does. For most of '91 and '92, Barry had plenty of little worries and at least one big one.
"Getting comfortable pass blocking, and knowing I could actually do it," Barry said was the biggest concern.
Miami's defensive front will make Barry as comfortable as if he was wedged into pink leotards. Four Hurricanes linemen - Darren Krein, Pat Riley, Warren Sapp and Kevin Patrick - each had a sack and a quarterback hurry against Boston College's Glenn Foley on Sept. 4 in Miami's opener.
Those four and Kenny Lopez, who starts at one tackle, combined for 26 1/2 sacks and 74 hurries last year.
"Miami has six [defensive linemen] who are bonafide pro prospects," Grimes said, including backup Baraka Short on the list. "In facing our defense a lot, we're seeing the same amount of quickness Miami's got. We have not seen, thus far, the combination of quickness, size and strength Miami has."
One of the first-teamers Barry faces in practice, defensive end Cornell Brown, described Barry with a phrase that comes close to drawing a yellow flag.
"Once he gets a grasp of you, he's pretty much locked on," Brown said.
Barry, praised as an "effort guy" by Grimes, will make the fifth start of his career against the Hurricanes. He started twice in 1992, playing 382 snaps, and won the starting tight tackle job in the spring.
He knows what's in store Saturday. Tech needs leakproof protection, because even a mobile Maurice DeShazo will get 'Caned if Miami's defensive front runs free.
"They're so fast. You have to be more technically correct in what you do," said Barry, who won't claim mastery of his position. "Every day I go out there, I've got to worry about that."
by CNB