For Cookeville Cavaliers senior Blake Barrett, the final weeks of his high school football career have come faster than he ever imagined.
“The time flew so much,” Barrett said. “I would sit last year and look at the seniors that were there last year and I’m just like wow, like I wouldn’t expect me to be at that position cause you think you’re never gonna be there and then one day it’s just there.”
Barrett said his road to this point has not been easy. A broken arm sidelined Barrett most of his freshman year, forcing him to fight his way back through long practices and limited opportunities. As a sophomore, he began on scout team duty, taking hits, grinding through every rep, and seeing the field only on special teams.
Barrett’s persistence paid off, as Blake earned his way into the Cavaliers’ starting lineup by his junior year. Barrett became a steady two-way contributor both at running back and at linebacker. This year, Barrett has seen career highs in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, while also becoming an anchor on defense.
“Leadership and maturity wise as a football player, [the growth has been] astronomical.” Barrett said.
Now as the Cavaliers prepare for their final regular season home game Friday against Farragut, Barrett said he is focused on savoring every remaining step.
“[I’m] just trying to embrace it day by day,” Barrett said. “Just trying to do better one day than I did the last.”
Barrett has showcased his speed and athleticism this season, scoring rushing, passing, and special teams touchdowns. His first special teams touchdown mirrored his first ever touchdown for the Cavaliers, when he returned a kickoff all the way down the field for a score.
