During a National Signing Day ceremony, 16 Pattonville seniors were recognized for having either verbally committed or signed letters of intent to participate in inter-collegiate athletics after graduating from PHS.

Jarran Barber will be attending Iowa Central Community College to further his education and athletic career.

“I had a chip on my shoulder and I felt something was missing. I needed an outlet in my life to get away from the negative energy,” he said, “so, I chose to put my negativity into football.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Barber and 15 other Pattonville student-athletes officially announced where they will be attending college on National Signing Day.

“I chose to go to Iowa Central because it’s a JUCO, a 2-year community school, and it’s going to give me an opportunity to transfer to a major D1 university which was my plan to do,” Barber said.

It seems like JUCO will start off Barber’s career and give him a chance to build off the success he has there.

“I’m more anxious than excited to go to college because I believe it’s time to pursue my career and I’m ready to make a name for myself.”

Barber is excited about continuing to play the game.

“My dad inspired me to play football when I was young and I used to always hear stories about my father playing football and even now I still hear those stories,” Barber said. “He never finished in high school so I strongly feel like it’s my goal to fulfill his legacy.”

Not only is he determined to pursue his career, but he is also driven to succeed in the classroom.

“Signing to Iowa Central wasn’t a hard decision to make, they gave me an opportunity and I’m definitely going to give them my all.”