We continue our Rising Star series with a brief detour over to the state of Alabama to have a conversation with Muscle Shoals Offensive Tackle Jonathan Barnhill. The Junior High All-American Game was primarily a state-wide event this year, but Jonathan was one of the only 3 players to come from outside the state to play in it. Barnhill made the longest journey too, coming all the way from Alabama to get here, which shows the exact kind of person he is.
Jonathan Barnhill is an athletic offensive tackle with the right mind and attitude for the game. We don’t just take anybody from outside the state to play in this game, and not everyone would be willing to make that trip. That is a testament to Barnhill’s talent and work ethic for the game of football. He’s got the size and ability to play offensive tackle: he’s already 5’10 and over 200 pounds before stepping foot in a high school weight room, and his pass blocking in particular is his biggest strength, a valuable skill to have as quarterbacks begin to throw the ball more at higher levels of play. He combines that talent with the off-field traits you would want to see: he is a part of the National Junior Honor Society, and has over a 3.5 GPA.
Jonathan Barnhill has everything he needs to become an elite lineman in Alabama High School Football one day. At this point, it’s just a question of if he will put it all together. I, for one, believe in him. If he will go this far out of his way to make an impression on the national high school football scene, believing in him is the least I can do.
*We firmly in the 2025 Gridiron Football Season and if you are a player that wants to be a part of the 2025 Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game or the 2025 Gridiron Football Senior All-American Bowl Game, you must be at our events to be considered for the game. This will apply especially to Louisiana athletes since we have growing interest from outside the state. We are inviting top performers from our 7v7 tournaments, our elite camps, and finally, our Gridiron Football Media Day. We already have our first 7v7 tournament and two elite camps posted below. To register, you can click any of the pictures below!
What got you into football in the first place? What was your first experience with it?
“I started off playing flag football when I was 4 or 5, and I got into it from watching the Saints on the TV. I transitioned to tackle football when I was 8.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What’s your favorite football memory?
“My favorite memory was in 2019, when I got to win the championship with my peewee team.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What were your thoughts about the bowl game? What was your favorite part of that event?
“I really enjoyed playing in both games for my team. My favorite part was being the lead blocker for the two point conversion in the 2nd game.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned playing football throughout your life?
I’ve learned two big lessons: the lower man always wins, and you have to work with each other to win as a team.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What’s your biggest strength on the football field?
“I’m a great pass blocking offensive tackle.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What teams do you root for when you’re watching sports?
“I watch the Saints and LSU, but I also watch the Braves.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
Do you play any sports other than football?
“I used to play baseball, where I played 2nd base.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
Are there any NFL or College players that you try to model your game after?
“Will Cambell, the LSU Left Tackle, is the guy I look up to.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What part of your game are you trying to improve the most as you move to the High School level?
“My run blocking ability. I just need to get off the ball faster and be quicker on my feet.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of sports?
“I like playing video games, mostly Madden and CFB 25.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
What do you want to do when your playing days are over?
“I want to be a game designer.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
Why should fans keep their eye on you, Jonathan Barnhill, as a Rising Star in High School Football?
“I am great at protecting the quarterback.”
Muscle Shoals Middle School OL Jonathan Barnhill
