Ben Barber stayed close to the Virginia Tech program last fall, attending a junior college near Tech. He will officially become part of the program when he enrolls in Blacksburg next weekend, 11 months after signing a letter of intent with the Hokies.

Edison (Alexandria, VA) head coach Vaughn Lewis is excited to see his former star in action again this spring and later on in the summer. The 5-11, 190-pound Barber starred at quarterback his senior season but earned 2006 first-team all-state honors at wide receiver, the position he is projected to play under Frank Beamer.

“I think they could’ve used him at wide receiver this year,” Lewis said. “The thing about Ben is that he could be a great wide receiver or a great cornerback or defensive back. He played defensive back for us and had three interceptions to help us win against West Springfield his senior year. He is an outstanding athlete. As a receiver, he can juke and go up and twist his body to catch the ball in ways you didn’t think a body could twist. He has great hands, too.”

Barber has been focused mainly on academics this past fall, working hard to get a head start before he begins his Tech career. He hasn’t lifted too many weights, Lewis says, but he has kept in shape.

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