Just rewards for McNeese’s Barbie, Miles
Published 10:55 am Thursday, November 9, 2023
- McNeese State Cowboys running back Joshon Barbie (25) eyes the endzone for a touchdown against the Incarnate Word Cardinals at Cowboy Stadium in Lake on Saturday. (Kirk Meche)
Practice was getting late Wednesday afternoon when Joshon Barbie and Thomas Miles lined up to run a drill against each other.
Both have come on strong this season as they were forced into action for the Cowboys.
Miles is a junior defensive back who started at McNeese State as a wide receiver.
Barbie is a redshirt freshman who was buried on the depth chart as this season began and has worked his way into the rotation at running back.
Both were also walk-ons on the Cowboy roster.
As they lined up to do battle with the rest of the McNeese team surrounding, head coach Gary Goff stopped the drill. With the others watching he then presented the pair with scholarships, sending the Cowboys into a wild celebration.
“They have both worked so hard and earned this,” said Goff. “They have made the most of their opportunities.”
Miles has played in seven games this season and recorded 19 tackles. He has also been credited with one quarterback hurry.
Barbie has played in the last three games, starting once. He has run for 199 yards on 33 carries, scoring two touchdowns in the process. Barbie also has three catches for 34 more yards.
“I am so happy for him,” Goff said of Barbie. “Nobody works harder. Every game that he gets in there you can just see his confidence growing.”
Barbie had his breakout game when injuries forced him into the starting role against nationally ranked Incarnate Word. He ran for 117 yards on 21 carries against the Cardinals.
McNeese may have also gotten some other good news this week as it tries to finish a rough season strong.
Freshman defensive back Boogsie Silvera, who started the first seven games, could return for the season finale at Lamar. Silvera was considered lost for the season with a hand injury but has made progress of late.
If he can be fitted for a cast and cleared to play he could be back for the last game of the season.
McNeese will end the home portion of their schedule Saturday night against Houston Christian.
