Five-Star 2028 Athlete Casey Barner Has Stellar Debut; 'Loves Everything About Tennessee'

The Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic has created its fair share of legends over its history and the newext one to the group is McEachern (Ga.) 2028 athlete Casey Barner, who impacted the game at an elite level in every single facet one could think of when it comes to the game of football.

Coming out of this game, he has received comparisons to Georgia high school legends, such as Caleb Downs and Tennessee football legend Eric Berry, despite just beginning his sophomore season

As a young McEachern team made a strong statement by beating a recent state power 50-17, Barner had long list of statistics including the following:

- two rushes for 71 yards and a touchdown
- two receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown
- one kick return for 98 yards a touchdown
- seven punt returns for 138 yards (touchdown called back)

Did anyone in the country have a better opening weekend than @casey_barner2?

341 all-purposes yards and three scores is wild. Another special talent from the state of Georgia 🍑

(🎥: @HarrisonReno, @CorkyKell) pic.twitter.com/nFr2pDE6xs
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) August 18, 2025

Barner has primarily been recruited for the safety position, and he shined there in the game as well, but programs have kept the possibility of him playing offense open as well.

"They're recruiting me as an athlete."

The versatility was on full display, standing out as a rusher, receiver, returner, and... executor of the fake punt.

"[College coaches] love that I can do all types of things on the field. They appreciate everything I could do for them."

WATCH: 2028 ATH Casey Barner putting on tape high-level In-Game Athleticism™, reaching 19.2 mph on this 77-yard touchdown! #IGAScore #ReelSpeed

Get verified to unlock your IGA Score®
🔗 https://t.co/IKk5DVUoz3 pic.twitter.com/ndx4ACobfy
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) August 19, 2025

When it comes to describing the performance of Barner, it is hard to put it simply, but the 2028 recruit believes his work ethic allows for it to be simple no matter what you are describing him doing.

"Dynamic. I'm very dynamic in everything I do. I take pride in everything I do," he told Vols on SI.

We received a lot of inquiries from CFB coaches re: Casey Barner’s IGA Score®.

His IGA Score® falls within the 90-99 range based on his verified 20.5 mph max speed , elite In-Game Athleticism™ #IGAScore

Get verified to unlock your IGA Score®
🔗https://t.co/IKk5DVUWoB pic.twitter.com/9irIVfsWil
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) August 19, 2025

Despite only being a 2028 prospect, he has already earned an offer from Tennessee, which gave him fourth offer about this time a year ago.

"I have went down to Tennessee a few times for camps and they were talking to me while I was down there so I think they love me too."

The camp setting has been his primary experiences with the football program in Knoxville, but he was a major fan of how the defensive coaching staff under Tim Banks operated throughout the experience, whether with him or just in general.

"I love the program. I love everything about Tennessee," he said to Vols on SI.

After exploding on to the scene at McEachern, he is set to receive all kinds of new attention in his recruitment moving forward, but he has a very mature approach as to what will matter to him when he analyzes the college options battling in his recruitment.

"Life after football. It's not all about football; I think it's about developing me into a grown man and I think it is not just about football."

2028 ATH Casey Barner (@casey_barner2) is a very gifted player for his age.

I would not be shocked to see schools turn up the heat on the McEachern sophomore.@CorkyKell @scoreatlanta pic.twitter.com/rZF1l9FRgq
— Dale Dowden (@Dale_Dowden) August 17, 2025