Indiana could not string together enough quality at-bats against Oregon State starting pitcher Matt Boyd, forcing coach Tracy Smith to try the running game. That did not work either.
Cornerback Lawrence Barnett was among a list of fourth-year players not returning to the Indiana football team, coach Kevin Wilson announced Tuesday.
The Bishop Luers graduate appeared in eight games and made two tackles in 2012.
“We had a number of fourth-year players that were on track to graduate, some scholarship players like (offensive lineman) Charlie Chapman, (defensive end) Jovan Cornley, (fullback) Dimitrius Carr-Watson, (wide receiver) and Lawrence Barnett, fourth-year players who were playing some in back-up roles, not playing a lot, on track to graduate, they’ve come in and decided not to play their fifth year,” Wilson said in an interview posted on the school’s athletic website.
Barnett redshirted in 2009. He moved to safety from cornerback in 2010 and appeared in nine games. He made five tackles. Barnett moved back to corner in 2011. He started nine times and played in 11 contests. He finished with 46 tackles. He tied for the team lead with six pass breakups and recovered one fumble.
“Those guys were good players for us, solid guys, good roles,” Wilson said. “As hard as you work, if you’re not playing that much, they’re just ready for the next chapter of their life.”
