The trenches of the Florida Atlantic football team obtained a solid get with head coach Zach Kittley making a strong addition to the defense as Naejuan Barber transfers from Coastal Carolina to Boca Raton.
Naejuan Barber
Defensive Line
6-3, 310 lbs
Transfer
Coastal Carolina
Barber announced his commitment to the Owls on Tuesday evening via X, shortly after entering the portal on Dec. 9. He joins the team with one year of eligibility remaining, citing the family atmosphere that Kittley and the coaching staff created as the reasoning behind his decision.
“My conversation was smooth. We talked about the opportunity to help win games and bring the culture back to FAU,” Barber said.
He looks for a new opportunity after being a member of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers for one season, playing in 10 games throughout the 2024 campaign. He made 22 tackles (six solo), two TFL, one sack, one fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry. He also recorded a season-high five tackles against Troy on Nov. 2.
His time with the Chanticleers also gave him time to build a connection with Brett Dewhurst, who was a defensive analyst for the team. Dewhurst is now FAU’s defensive coordinator on Kittley’s coaching staff, allowing a reunion for him and Barber.
“I see myself being an immediate impact and helping the team and helping the young guys at the same time,” Barber explained about what he’ll bring to the Owls.
Before Coastal Carolina, he spent three years with South Carolina State as he built himself into a star in the defense. He appeared in 18 games throughout his tenure, making 45 tackles (28 solo), 11.5 TFL, and seven sacks.
2023 featured his most noteworthy performances, recording 27 tackles (17 solo), 8.5 TFL, and a team-most five sacks throughout 10 games. One of his best games showcased him tallying 3.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, both season highs, against Howard on Nov. 4. His efforts on defense had him go on to earn a Second Team All-MEAC selection.
A 6-foot-5 athlete, Naejuan Barber can play on the defensive side of the field at a high level. His ability to get stops against opponents is worthy to note about the talent he not only showcased in college but also at Ridge View High School.
His last two seasons saw him finish with 79 tackles (31 solo), 21 TFL, nine sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. As a senior, he made 44 tackles (15 solo), 15 TFL, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries as he received a Class 5A South Carolina Football Coaches Association All-State selection for his efforts.
Barber was viewed as a consensus three-star prospect by recruiting outlets coming out of high school. Via On3, he has an 86 score as the 66th-best defensive lineman in the Class of 2021 and the 738th-best player in the country.
Barber has marvelous speed and strength to provide high-quality and tackling and pass rushing, making him a solid asset for FAU’s depth in the defensive line. Regarding his goals upon joining the Owls, he has high ambitions.
“The goals I wish to achieve is to win the conference, make a bowl game, being the best I can be on and off the field as a student-athlete; all while chasing my longtime goal of the NFL,” Barber stated.
His highlights at Ridge View High School can be viewed below: