BOONEVILLE, Miss. - One of Northeast Mississippi Community College's most consistent defenders earned a pair of prestigious awards ahead of his sophomore year.
CJ Barney was recognized as a second-team Preseason All-America selection by the Rivals recruiting network publication JCGridiron.
In addition, Barney also obtained Preseason All-Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) honors from the Mississippi Gridiron magazine.
"CJ has done a wonderful job," said Tigers head coach Greg Davis. "He played relentless last season and with heart and passion. Whenever you play with that attitude and motor, good things happen.
"His approach every day is spot on. We feel really good about his leadership qualities. He's done a remarkable job. I'm really excited about his future and what he can do for us."
He secured these honors after starting for Northeast at outside linebacker during the 2022 campaign. However, Barney may spend just as much time as an edge rusher on the defensive front this year.
"I had a lot of great people around me, players and coaches, that were able to develop me a lot," Barney said. "Coming out of high school, I only played d-end. I love to get in the trenches. I find it fun, but I'm glad whenever I do get to get to show that coverage part of my game as well."
Barney is the leading returning tackler for the Tigers with 68 stops. That was third most on the team behind only Kenny Byrd and Triston Newson, who both signed scholarships with institutions at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.
The 6-1, 220-pounder also added 7.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and a pass break up during his inaugural season at Northeast. His average for last year was 7.6 takedowns per contest.
"I appreciate God and my teammates and my family, all of them for helping me get to this spot," said Barney. "I came here as a freshman humble, hungry and just ready to do my part on the team. We're going to see what we can do this year."
Barney had six or more stops during all but one game during the previous campaign. He posted back-to-back double-digit tackling performances against East Central Community College and Holmes Community College.
He had a special night in the matchup with Holmes, which was played at his alma mater of Madison Central High School due to ongoing turf installation in Goodman, with a career-high 13 takedowns. That included eight solos and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Barney's efforts helped the Tigers top the conference with only 278.1 yards given up per game. Northeast also led the MACCC North Division in terms of points allowed at 18.7.