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George Barnett enters his second year as the offensive line coach for the Grand Valley State. Barnett guided a Laker offensive line in 2008 in which all five starters (Sam Allen, Cameron Bradfield, Billy Eisenhardt, Nick McDonald and Jacob Topp) earned All-GLIAC honors. The Lakers ranked 10th in the nation in scoring (38.5 ppg), 13th in sacks allowed (1.08), 14th in rushing (228.4) and 25th in total offense (429.0). GVSU allowed just 13 sacks in 12 games played.
Barnett came to Grand Valley State after a three-year stint as offensive line coach at the University of Indianapolis. The Greyhound offense increased its production every season behind the Barnett-led offensive line. Indianapolis recorded four-year highs offensively in passing yards (234.1 ypg), rushing offense (189.2 ypg) and total offense (423.3 ypg) in 2007. The Indianapolis offensive line yielded 36 QB sacks the year before Barnett arrived, while his 2007 when the Greyhounds gave up just 21 QB sacks.
Prior to his arrival at Indianapolis, Barnett spent the 2004 campaign at the University of Illinois where he was a graduate assistant and worked with the offensive line as well as coordinated the defensive scout team for the Fighting Illini. Barnett taught and coached for five years at Mattoon (Ill.) High School. He served as assistant head coach for the Green Wave's state semifinalist team in 2003, working as offensive coordinator and coach of both the offensive and defensive lines. Barnett served one year as Mattoon's varsity line coach and sophomore defensive coordinator before becoming the varsity offensive coordinator.
Barnett is a 1998 graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education. He was a four-year football letterwinner at Millikin and earned all-conference plaudits. In addition, he was named to the National Dean's List while at Millikin.
Barnett and his wife, Lori, are the proud parents of Elle (3) and infant son James.
