Barnes, a 2000 Tonganoxie High School graduate, finished his career at Highland Community College last fall after the Scotties finished 3-6.

A quarterback, Barnes will play at the University of La Verne, an NCAA Division III school in La Verne, Calif.

“At La Verne they were the most interested,” Barnes said. “They had a warm welcome.”

Barnes also considered playing football at Canisius in New York and Florida Atlantic, but eventually decided on the California school. Some of his relatives live nearby.

La Verne is looking to change its offense to a more wide-open set. Highland ranked first in passing offense and second in total offense last season, so Barnes should be a decent fit.

The former Tonganoxie quarterback completed 17 of 34 passes in five games in the fall. He had 190 yards and one touchdown.

Barnes graduated from Tonganoxie in 2000, and then finished at Highland in three semesters. Since graduating from HCC with an associate’s degree in December, Barnes has kept busy working as a substitute teacher in Leavenworth County schools and holding jobs at Sandstone and Applebee’s.

Barnes, who plans to pursue a degree in computer technology at La Verne, said he’s ready to report to football practice Aug. 15.

“I can’t wait to go to Los Angeles,” Barnes said. “That’s the biggest thing.”