VALDOSTA, Ga. — Michael Barrett is a 6-foot, 208 pound athlete out of Lowndes High School. He lines up under center for his team, but he may play another position on the next level. He could play quarterback in the right system, he is built like a running back and he could play another skill position or two as well.
A lot of schools like him as a running back and he would love nothing more than to be that featured back, but the main thing to him is, just give him a chance to make plays.
"I would prefer to have the ball in my hands, that would be my only request, because I think that is best for me," said Barrett. "I want to have a chance to make an impact on the next level and I feel touching the ball gives me the best chance.
"I really don't care what position it is, but offense would be my choice. What matters most though is having the chance to get on the field, then having that chance at the NFL, so I will do whatever a school needs me too."
A school that just sent their star running back to the NFL is comparing Barrett to him and that school has his interest.
"Coach [Robert] Gillespie (running backs) at Tennessee tells me I could be the next Alvin Kamara there. He sees him in me and he feels I could be used in the same way in their offense, so that is pretty cool. I have seen them play and I know they got the ball to him a lot, so I like that.
"I have not visited Tennessee yet, but I would like to this summer if I can get up there. I have heard about their campus, I know they have a big stadium, so I want to check it all out."
Another school in the SEC is on his list too. LSU showed a lot of interest early in the recruting process, but it has not been as strong lately. That has not hurt them in Barrett's eyes.
"LSU has been one of the schools I have grown up watching. It is an SEC school, LSU is always good and they play great competition. It is a big-time program. I have not talked to them as much as the other schools, but I have a lot of interest in them."
A school a little farther away that has the attention of many in Georgia is standing out to the three-star athlete due to the names and the way they are recruiting him.
"Michigan is definitely one of my top schools," said Barrett. "I wasn't originally thinking about going that far away from home, but they are sticking out to me. I have not been up there, but the way they are recruiting me, Jim Harbaugh being a former NFL coach and it is a great program, so I am liking them more than I thought I would.
"I really want to get up there and see their stadium, their facilities and meet the coaches. I know Michigan will get an official visit. I like the way coach [Jay] Harbaugh (running backs) is recruiting me. He is always texting me, he will face-time with me some and he just talks with me about everything. He is really trying to get to know me."
Barrett currently sits at 18 offers and he does not have a true favorite at this time, but LSU, Michigan and Tennessee are the schools he is currently highest on. He grew up a Florida fan and the Gators are showing interest, but they have not offered. North Carolina and Rutgers could be close to offering.
He has not visited many schools yet, but he hopes to see a few this summer, then take his five official visits in the fall before making his decision.
"I will not be committing until at least after the season and I may even wait until signing day," said Barrett. "I just need to see more. I do not know enough about schools yet to commit, so I want to take my visits and then make my decision. It will definitely be after the season for me."
Playing time is very important to Barrett. Position is not as important, but he likes running back. He is looking for a system that can feature him and his skill set.