AJ Barner and Erick All: Tight ends on different paths, but both built by U-M coaching

INDIANAPOLIS — Both scheduled for Podium 8, located on the far wall of Hall J on the first floor of the Indiana Convention Center, they went one after the other.

Andrew Frank Barner (better known as AJ) and Erick All − the former a tight end who transferred to Michigan, the latter a tight end who transferred from Michigan − both addressed media for interviews on Day 2 of the NFL combine, having taken somewhat parallel, yet simultaneously perpendicular, paths to get there.

Michigan tight end AJ Barner runs past Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.

Barner’s journey began as an under-recruited tight end from Aurora, Ohio, a suburb southeast of Cleveland. He went to Indiana University (one of his two Power Five offers out of high school) for his first three college three seasons, then transferred to Michigan for his final year.

INDY ‘FEELS LIKE SCHEMBECHLER HALL’: Michigan football players everywhere at NFL combine

Over those four years (counting this season), IU went 15-29. During his lone year at Michigan, he went 15-0.

“You plan it out one way, you think you’re going to go to Indiana your whole career, have a great career, be the best to ever play there,” Barner said. “I could never have imagined it would end up like this but I’m super fortunate for everything I’ve gone through, my journey.

“I’m not even reaching my potential yet. … I think my best days are ahead of me.”

Iowa tight end Erick All scores a touchdown against Michigan State defensive lineman Khris Bogle, right, and linebacker Darius Snow during the first half of MSU’s 26-16 loss Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Then, there’s the flip side. All grew up in Fairfield, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati, where he emerged as a four-star recruit and one of the top 12…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/aj-barner-erick-tight-ends-193838560.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2024-02-29 19:38:38

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.