If Alex Barnes looked a step slow last season, well, that’s because he was.
That’s what happens when a defender inadvertently steps on your ankle during an inconsequential nonconference game and you’re suddenly hampered with an injury that limits your mobility for the remainder of the year.
On the rare occasions his ankle felt near full strength, Barnes was able to top 100 yards in games against Kansas, Oklahoma and UCLA. When his ankle felt weak, it was hard for him to stay on the field. Add on the usual wear and tear of a 13-game schedule and it’s easy to understand why he only saw single-digit carries in six different games.