After suffering a season ending injury, senior Caiden Barber found his chance to continue his football career at Coffeyville Community College. 

“I lost a lot of looks I had,” Barber said. “I chose Coffeyville because they gave me an opportunity.”

Barber was described as a “home run hitter” by head coach Tom Nickleson, rushing over 1000 yards his junior year. 

“He was a stud tailback from the time he was in third grade on,” Nickelson said. “What I am most proud of with him is to see his career did not end because of missing his senior season.”

Both Barber’s freshman and senior year seasons ended before they started due to a back injury. According to Barber, this injury didn’t change any of his plans to play football after high school..

“I wasn’t too scared,” Barber said. “I knew that someone would end up picking me up or I would walk on somewhere, but it was definitely a struggle.”

Although Barber never played alongside Rob Hollis, the duo continued to enhance their skills off of the field. 

“I’m definitely going to feel more comfortable at Coffeyville [with Rob] there,” Barber said. “[It’ll] be fun playing with him.”

According to Barber, his mindset was a crucial piece in committing to play at the next level. 

“Hard work pays off,” Barber said. “Don’t [be] satisfied when you accomplish something small.”