Some people believe the old adage “third times the charm.” For Ole Miss Assistant Athletic Director for High School and Community College Relations Barney Farrar, the second time was. The Kossuth, MS native has a long title but the Ole Miss fans just know him as “Barney.”
The people in the Southeastern part of the country are quite familiar with the Delta State University graduate but the people in Mississippi know him better than anyone.
Farrar tells Chuck Rounsaville on Rebel Sports Radio he truly is living a dream.
"“I didn’t have a lot growing up but I had a lot of love and family. As I grew up, I just wanted others to have the same opportunity and to help them, Farrar said. “I love Ole Miss. I’ve always loved Ole Miss, as I can remember wearing an Archie Who button in my yard playing football in Macon, MS. It’s always been a dream of mine to be here in Oxford,” he added."
It hasn’t been just trips across the magnolia state for Farrar. He’s had stops at Iowa State, Rice, Clemson and Ole Miss, where he served as Assistant A.D. for External Affairs in 2006 under then head coach Ed Orgeron during his first stint in Oxford.
As a kid, Farrar tells Rounsaville it was a dream come true.
"“As a youngster, I remember driving that tractor through the fields and telling myself one day I’ll be a coach at Ole Miss,” Farrar added. “Ole Miss is what I always hoped it would be. Between the beauty of the campus and the beauty of the people, this place being in Oxford is perfect.”"
Now, his main focus in Oxford has been recruiting. There’s no surprise, Ole Miss has been experiencing its most talent rich classes in school history. If you are wondering, he loves the interaction with the coaches and players across the state. He’s also been turning heads nationally as he recently made Rivals.com’s top recruiter list.
"“I love recruiting and I love Mississippi. I’ve been blessed to get on the road and travel this great state and I truly want to see the kids of this state be successful,” Farrar said."
Quite a bit has changed in the ten years Farrar was on campus. As vital as he is in the recruiting process, that is important.
"“By getting the The Grill at 1810 (in the Manning Center) and building new training and locker rooms, this place is second to none. Once you get recruits to campus, this place sells itself,” Farrar added."
The best selling point? The guy that grew up in rural northeast Mississippi says it best, “If you ever walk barefooted in the grass in Oxford, you’ll never leave.”