THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 1995 TAG: 9507260529
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LATROBE, PA. LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
The play was a bust from the moment the ball was snapped. But Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kordell Stewart scrambled left to buy a second - Johnnie Barnes' signal to turn and race for the end zone.
With Redskins safety Keith Taylor desperately trying to make up ground, Stewart threw a perfect 45-yard pass that Barnes had in his hands. And dropped.
``And that's the only thing he isn't doing as well as we'd like,'' Steelers receivers coach Chan Gailey would say after the Redskins and Steelers worked through a spirited two-hour practice at St. Vincent College. ``He's dropping a few too many. Otherwise, he's shown lots of promise.''
Gailey wants the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Suffolk native and Hampton University product to make it.
It's a cliche, but you can't coach size and speed, and Barnes has an abundance of both. That's why the Steelers went after Barnes last summer, even though his three years with the San Diego Chargers had been unproductive.
``You tell yourself, `Maybe he wasn't in the right system,' or `Maybe he didn't get the break he needed,' '' Gailey says. ``A lot of players make it because they're with the right team. With guys like Johnnie, you hope to be his `right' team.''
Pittsburgh wasn't the only organization that thought it could give Barnes the home he needs. The Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers pursued him, too.
``I made a wise decision,'' Barnes says of going with the Steelers. ``It came down to a chance to be closer to home, and I like the organization. When you mention the Steelers around the league, it strikes fear in the heart. And I'll tell you something: This is the next team. All the pieces are here.''
Actually, the Steelers are trying to replace one or two major pieces. That's where Barnes comes into play in a roundabout way.
The Steelers lost All-Pro tight end Eric Green to Miami during the offseason. Although they drafted the talented Mark Bruener in the first round, they're not yet totally comfortable with his pass-catching abilities. Thus, Pittsburgh coaches say they're more committed to using three- and four-receiver formations than before. Enter Barnes, whom they view as an excellent candidate to fill one of those spots.
The Steelers' first four receivers are set: Ernie Mills, Yancy Thigpen, Andre Hastings and Charles Johnson. Realistically, Gailey will be allowed to carry but two more receivers on the roster. He has five candidates, among them Barnes and Richmond native Corey Holliday, a former North Carolina standout.
``The competition is stiff,'' Barnes says. ``In no way do I think I've got a job sealed. I'm still growing accustomed to the system, and the only advantage I have is that I've been in the league three years and I have a feel for training camp. I have established my work habits; I know how to prepare for the next day.''
Gailey says you can tell Barnes is a pro just by watching him from day to day. But he wants to see Barnes exhibit more confidence in his hands. Gailey knows that Barnes can catch the ball better than he's shown. He's even willing to allow for the fact that there's a new system to learn and new quarterbacks with new passing styles.
``The key is that he's got good hands - now believe in it,'' Gailey said. ``I think there have been plays where he doesn't always concentrate through 'til the end.''
Barnes agrees.
``The system is different and a little more difficult,'' he says. ``The wide receivers here have to block downfield more than in San Diego. The pass patterns are based more on timing here than in San Diego. You must be at certain spots at certain times. If you're not, it's your fault.''
Tuesday's practice against the Redskins was just that - practice. The two teams scrimmage Saturday in Frostburg, Md. Barnes has circled the date on his calendar.
``This is a big one for me,'' he said, without finishing the thought.
It wasn't necessary. It's his first formal chance for Barnes to show that he's catching on. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Suffolk native Johnnie Barnes, after 3 years in San Diego, is trying
to earn a Steeler spot.
by CNB