Feb. 27, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State head football coach Chuck Martin announced that George Barnett has been named offensive line coach for the Lakers. Barnett comes to Grand Valley State after a three-year stint as offensive line coach at the University of Indianapolis. He will begin his duties at Grand Valley State immediately.

"We are extremely fortunate to have George Barnett join our coaching staff," said Martin. "George did a wonderful job at Indianapolis the last three years and we were able to see first-hand how his offensive lines competed against our defense," added Martin.

Barnett spent three years at Indianapolis where the Greyhound offense increased its production every season behind the Barnett-led offensive line. UI 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 UI offensive line yielded 36 QB sacks the year before Barnett arrived at Indy, compared to 2007 when the Greyhounds gave up just 21 QB sacks.

"I am thrilled to join the Grand Valley State football program," said Barnett. "Grand Valley State has been model of consistency the last seven years and this is an opportunity to coach for one of the top Division II schools in the country," added Barnett.

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 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.