34 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Alex Barnes

Jealous of Oklahoma's Samaje Perine? Well, K-State might have found its own surprise freshman running back in Alex Barnes. - Brett Deering/Getty ImagesIn which BracketCat counts down the 34th day until kickoff with a profile of running back Alex Barnes.

Previous College: None

Projection: Redshirt

Status: On Scholarship

Brandon Alex Barnes (b. Oct. 27, 1996) is a 3-star running back who graduated from high school in December and enrolled at K-State a semester early. He will battle for playing time as a true freshman, although he'll likely redshirt.

Barnes played under head coach Tom Nickelson at Pittsburg High School, where he led the Purple Dragons to a 9-2 record and the quarterfinals of the…