Barnett joins ISU football staff

NORMAL -- Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack has hired George Barnett as his offensive line coach and running game coordinator.

Barnett comes to Illinois State following a two-year stint as the offensive line coach at Division II powerhouse Grand Valley State, which advanced to the 2009 NCAA Division II national title game.

"I talked to several people I have the utmost respect for in this business from the high school, collegiate and pro levels and they all raved about George," Spack said. "I had heard so many good things about him that I wondered if there would be a bit of a drop off during the interview, but he was even better in person than on paper. George is a Central Illinois product, which makes him an even better fit for our program, and we believe he will be a great addition to our coaching staff."

The Tuscola, Ill., native thrived in his two seasons at GVSU as offensive line coach and helped the Lakers' offense become one of the best in the country. In 2009, GVSU ranked third in the country in sacks allowed (.60) after giving up just nine sacks in 15 games played. The Lakers also ranked 11th in the country in rushing offense (227.5 ypg), 12th in total offense (450.1 ypg) and 14th in scoring offense (35.8 ppg).