AUBURN, Ala. – A highly recruited running back in the Class of 2017, Tampa Catholic product Devan Barrett had already begun to make his mark as a star athlete when he chose Auburn to further his career at the collegiate level.
Barrett looked at other schools in his home state of Florida, including UCF, Florida and Florida Atlantic, and while they were all great schools, he quickly realized that Auburn was "just different." He loved the fans and the coaching staff, whom he respected for their transparency.
As a true freshman, Barrett hit the ground running. He scored his first touchdown on a 4-yard reception against Arkansas and finished his freshman season on the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.
However, because of his versatility, his sophomore season would be full of change. First, there was the move from running back to wide receiver during spring practice. Then at the end of fall camp, he made an even bigger when he switched over to defense as a cornerback. It took time to find his comfort zone in a new position, but Barrett took the challenge head on. It was all about trusting his ability.
"Switching from one position to another is difficult in so many ways, so I focused on what I needed to do to better my teammates and myself at my new position," he said.
Barrett made the grade, contributing not only on defense but also on special teams where he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against Alabama State in that 2018 season. Last year, he played in seven games as a reserve cornerback.
Now, as he approaches his senior campaign, Barrett has gone from an unknowing freshman to one of the seasoned veterans on the team who is telling the younger players to trust the coaches and showing them how to take care of their bodies by maintaining good nutrition. He wants to savor this last year, though, because it's that bond he will miss most when football is over.
"Cherish what you have with your teammates," he said.
That bond is the reason why one of Barrett's favorite moments playing football for Auburn will be the tradition of when the team prays together in a circle before every game.
"Religion is a huge part of my life," Barrett said. "It's very important to my father and my family, and it's been important to me since I was a kid. God comes first, and it's very meaningful to be able to share that feeling with so many of my brothers."
Looking beyond football, Barrett has high hopes for the future. He plans to graduate in the spring 2021, and then he would love the opportunity to intern for Auburn in its broadcasting department with the hopes of one day becoming a sports commentator or television anchor.
Barrett, who is studying in the College of Liberal Arts, credits his success in the classroom to a strict schedule and his time-management skills.
"Know what's important and know what's a priority," he said. "Get what you need to get done and don't procrastinate."
One thing that will always be important to Barrett is his connection with the Auburn Family.
"Whenever I hear 'War Eagle,' I know that person is part of my family," Barrett said. "I know it's someone from Auburn and we are more than classmates or fellow alums – I look at that person as family. That's what makes Auburn special."