Sat Oct 12 23:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Walk-on Kicker Ryan Barker Earns Starting Spot for Penn State, Proving Himself a Reliable Weapon
**State College, PA** – Penn State’s newest kicker, redshirt freshman Ryan Barker, has defied the odds to secure the starting role, showcasing his impressive talent and composure under pressure.
Barker, a walk-on from Kennett, Pennsylvania, arrived on campus last summer with modest expectations, but quickly impressed coaches and teammates with his consistency and accuracy. Despite being overshadowed by more highly-touted recruits, Barker diligently honed his skills, making a strong impression during his debut college camp.
While the journey wasn’t easy, with competition from veteran kickers, Barker’s dedication and talent eventually shone through. He consistently performed well in practice, earning the trust of coaches and ultimately earning the starting job.
“He takes every day with a chip on his shoulder, trying to make a name for himself,” said special teams captain Dominic DeLuca. “As a walk-on coming here, he just wants to play, and he’s playing at a high level right now.”
Barker’s performance in the season opener against West Virginia, where he connected on both of his field goal attempts, solidified his position as the team’s primary kicker. His calm demeanor and ability to bounce back from missed kicks have also impressed coaches.
“He does a very good job of flushing the last play — good or bad — and moving on to the next one,” said head coach James Franklin.
Now, with the spotlight of a nationally televised game against USC looming, Barker is prepared to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
“The biggest thing for me is the mental part of it,” said Barker. “Just believing in myself and believing in my own abilities, so that I know I can take care of the job.”
Barker’s journey serves as a testament to hard work and dedication, proving that even walk-on athletes can rise to the occasion and make a significant impact.
First Piper 