Jeff Barrett

Student

“I’d love to be a broadcaster because I know sports. And I can’t see myself doing something I don’t enjoy.”

Jeff Barrett, quarterback and writer, is looking for a little support from SMC. This recent transfer from Nevada-Reno was surprised with the small turnouts for Corsair games. “With a school this size,” he says, “there really should be a lot of people out there with us on the field.”

That little criticism aside, Jeff says that SMC has been a place for him to make personal transitions. “I guess you could say that I’m a Valley person. But I’m much more comfortable over here. In the Valley,” he says, “you have to always fit in. But at SMC, I feel like I can be myself.”

Part of the new “self” Jeff is finding is an ability to express himself with the written word. “Right now I’m enjoying journalism a lot,” he says. “I like being creative and when I write, I find I can express myself much better.”

But Jeff’s primary form of expression will continue to be the 100-yard arena where he threads the needle and battles with 300-pound people. “It’s rough sometimes,” says Jeff. “I was barely able to walk off the field after one game last year. But I guess I just love the thrill of finding an open receiver on third and long.”

Jeff’s best moment last year with the Corsairs came on a busted play. “I bounced off people, cut back against the grain and scored on a 44-yard run.” And you get the feeling talking with Jeff that, going his own way and—ultimately—winning, is just second nature.

Back