Barker Acheives Consistency on Journey to Penn State Kicking Role
How did Ryan Barker become one of the nation's most reliable specialists?
Kicker Ryan Barker’s Penn State journey began last fall in a competition for the team’s starting role. After earning an opportunity early last season, Barker has firmly held the position ever-since, connecting on critical kicks along the way. So, how did Barker go from a relative unknown to one of Penn State’s most consistent specialists?
Leading Up To 2025
Barker committed to Penn State after playing his high school career at Kennett, a team that had second-round exits in the PIAA District 1 playoffs in his junior and senior seasons.
Barker caught the eye of Penn State after attending one of their summer prospect camps and was invited back a few weeks after, per 247Sports.
Barker also earned all-state honors for his role on both the football and soccer team for the Blue Demons.
“The mentality going into it last year was, I had nothing really to lose being the backup going into the season,” Barker says. “And being able to start from the first game this year, it’s kind of felt more of a responsibility, and I’ve wanted to hold myself to a higher standard.”