'Necks are raising the Barr
Ken Woods
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Sports
Just four games into the 2008 season, sophomore quarterback Matt Barr has already eclipsed his touchdown total from last year's campaign.
His improvement over the course of one year has brought an expanded offense to the table in addition to a powerful running attack. Barr started 10 out of 11 games for the 'Necks last season and threw for four scores. Barr has already thrown five touchdowns this year while racking up 787 yards through the air.
"Matt Barr has progressed just as we hoped he would and that is he has improved a lot over the past year," said acting head coach Mark Hendrickson. "Matt just needed more repetitions. He has thrown a lot of balls in games and in practice and therefore improved his technique and his skill."
Barr has worked hard to improve from last season and continues to improve this year. He has focused on pocket presence and being able to handle pressure.
"Last year, I noticed that I was quick to leave the pocket and I was comfortable making plays with my feet," Barr said. "This year, I wanted to become more of a pocket passer. I wanted to stay in the pocket and find receivers even when the pocket may be collapsing. I wanted to stay in there and make plays even when things weren't going smoothly and find receivers down the field."
The 'Necks have been a physical team known for running the football, as they have accumulated 936 yards on the ground to go along with 12 rushing touchdowns. Western has averaged 234 yards per game in four contests this season.
Teams have to key on the running game, which allows Barr to take advantage of passing opportunities during the course of the game.
"Teams have to concentrate on (Herb) so much, you know," Barr said. "Sometimes I've looked and they would have nine men in the box and just two corners in coverage, so when you play action pass, it just leaves guys wide open down the field."
Barr is also capable of running to create plays on offense. The signal caller rushed for 385 yards and four touchdowns last season. He is not only a threat through the air, he has established himself as a threat on the ground as well.
His improvement over the course of one year has brought an expanded offense to the table in addition to a powerful running attack. Barr started 10 out of 11 games for the 'Necks last season and threw for four scores. Barr has already thrown five touchdowns this year while racking up 787 yards through the air.
"Matt Barr has progressed just as we hoped he would and that is he has improved a lot over the past year," said acting head coach Mark Hendrickson. "Matt just needed more repetitions. He has thrown a lot of balls in games and in practice and therefore improved his technique and his skill."
Barr has worked hard to improve from last season and continues to improve this year. He has focused on pocket presence and being able to handle pressure.
"Last year, I noticed that I was quick to leave the pocket and I was comfortable making plays with my feet," Barr said. "This year, I wanted to become more of a pocket passer. I wanted to stay in the pocket and find receivers even when the pocket may be collapsing. I wanted to stay in there and make plays even when things weren't going smoothly and find receivers down the field."
The 'Necks have been a physical team known for running the football, as they have accumulated 936 yards on the ground to go along with 12 rushing touchdowns. Western has averaged 234 yards per game in four contests this season.
Teams have to key on the running game, which allows Barr to take advantage of passing opportunities during the course of the game.
"Teams have to concentrate on (Herb) so much, you know," Barr said. "Sometimes I've looked and they would have nine men in the box and just two corners in coverage, so when you play action pass, it just leaves guys wide open down the field."
Barr is also capable of running to create plays on offense. The signal caller rushed for 385 yards and four touchdowns last season. He is not only a threat through the air, he has established himself as a threat on the ground as well.
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