Florida Atlantic linebacker Hosea Barnwell V tried to join the Owls last year. Enrolled as a regular student at FAU, Barnwell approached the Owls’ coaching staff about walking on to the team.
“Coaching staff basically denied me, told me they’re not taking walk-ons at the time,” Barnwell said. “I’d have to try out next season.”
Following a coaching change that ousted Charlie Partridge and inserted Lane Kiffin, next season has arrived for Barnwell. Now, he finds himself with the starting defense.
“I guess it’s our small version of Rudy,” Kiffin said, referencing the famous Notre Dame walk-on.