How a former South Carolina recruit went from ‘Last Chance U’ to the Charlotte 49ers
Dantrell Barkley knows a thing or two about helping turn a college football program around.
In two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College, Barkley, a defensive lineman from Kannapolis, was part of a rebuilding effort that produced consecutive winning seasons in 2016 (5-4) and ’17 (9-2) for a program that hadn’t had even one in decades.
Now, Barkely aims to do the same with the Charlotte 49ers, who went 1-11 in 2017 and have yet to post a .500-or-better record since the program’s 2013 inception.
“Coming from Independence, they didn’t have much when I started there,” said Barkley, a 6-foot-4, 285-pounder who played at A.L. Brown High. “When I got there, they started the building process. I enjoy that process of helping build winning programs.”
Barkley is one of several new players 49ers coach Brad Lambert hopes can help breathe life into a program that finished last in Conference USA’s East Division in 2017.
“He’s got a lot of tools and has a chance to have a big impact for us,” said Lambert. “He’s a very talented guy, big and athletic. He’s had good workouts for us so far this summer.”
Barkley, who redshirted as a freshman at Independence in 2016, was injured for part of last season, making five tackles and recording one sack in eight games.
Barkley went to Independence out of high school (he graduated from Independence in May). His stock as a college prospect was high enough that he initially committed to South Carolina after his first season at Independence, but, looking for a better fit and more potential playing time than the Gamecocks could offer, changed his mind last September.
Wanting to get even closer to home in Kannapolis, Barkley chose Charlotte over Colorado and Colorado State, schools that also offered scholarships.
“It’s going to be great to back in the home environment,” Barkley said. “I missed North Carolina, the whole area.”
Barkley can relive some of his time at Independence later this summer when the Pirates’ football program is featured on the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U,” a program that features junior college teams that give players a shot at making it back to Division I.
Will he get air time on the show? Barkley said he’s “pretty confident” he will.
David Scott: @davidscott14
Impact newcomers
Former A.L. Brown High defensive lineman Dantrell Barkley is one of several new players for next season who could help turn the Charlotte 49ers’ football team around:
Calvin Camp, running back, redshirt freshman: At the least, Camp can provide depth behind Benny LeMay and Aaron McAlister. At best, he can provide the kind of spark he displayed in Charlotte’s spring game, when he showed speed and power while rushing for 131 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Jonathan Cruz, kicker, true freshman: After three kickers combined to miss nine of 13 field-goal attempts in 2017, the 49ers need Cruz to come through in the worst way. He made six-of-eight field goals as a high school senior in Cartersville, Ga., including a 55-yarder. He’s also a good punter (45.3-yard average last season), and the 49ers need one of them, too.
D’Mitri Emmanuel, offensive guard, redshirt freshman: At 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, Emmanuel had an impressive spring, good enough that he might step into the starting lineup.
Evan Shirreffs, quarterback, junior: A graduate transfer who was the Miami Hurricanes’ backup last season, Shirreffs (6-5, 216 pounds) fits the mold of new offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery’s pro-style offense. He’ll compete with returning starter Hasaan Klugh, redshirt freshman Chris Reynolds and true freshman Brady Pope (who could redshirt). Coach Brad Lambert said he hopes to name a starter two weeks into August practice. Shirreffs graduated in three years from Miami and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Victor Tucker, receiver, redshirt freshman: The 49ers will need someone to step forward at the receiver’s spot behind returning starters Mark Quattlebaum and Workpeh Kofa. Lambert said Tucker (5-11, 170) had an impressive spring and will fight for playing time with several other newcomers, including juco transfer Tyler Ringwood, true freshman Rico Arnold and redshirt freshmen Cameron Bent and Cameron Dollar. David Scott
This story was originally published July 3, 2018 at 5:14 PM.