Former Wolfpack state champion spent five years at Mercyhurst
One month ago, Cameron Barmore wanted to bet on himself again and entered the transfer portal. And after navigating through the stress of making his next decision, the weight on his shoulders was finally lifted and sends him packing for the Southwest.
In a social media announcement Monday, the Panama resident committed to the University of Arizona of the Big 12 for his final year of eligibility following a five-year career competing at Mercyhurst. After entering on Nov. 25, the Wildcats contacted Barmore during one of his first days in the transfer portal, before conversations resumed and an official campus visit in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday.
Barmore had interest from Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, Houston and Stanford during the transfer portal process. But conversations with Arizona’s staff and new head coach Brent Brennan, who was hired in January after seven seasons at San José State University, solidified Barmore’s decision.
“I really liked the coaches and everything about Tucson felt like home,” Barmore said. “The coaches were very welcoming and made it seem like we’re family right off the bat. They seemed like they really cared and they had a plan set.”
Barmore found previous success, in Section VI with Clymer/Sherman/Panama. In his three seasons with the Wolfpack, Barmore recorded 114 catches for 2,192 yards and 29 touchdowns and won the Class D state championship as a senior in 2019.
With Mercyhurst, Barmore appeared in 39 games over five seasons, recording 162 catches for 2,299 yards and 26 touchdowns. This season, the Lakers competed in their first Division I season, with Barmore leading the Northeast Conference in receptions (71), receiving yards (913) and touchdowns (13), earning first-team honors.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Barmore played at wide receiver for Mercyhurst. But, after discussing with Arizona, Barmore views himself as more of a tight end.
“They have plans to move me all around and wherever we can create the most matchup problems,” Barmore said. “... It’s just another stepping stone for where I want to be in the end, which is in the NFL. I’m going to do everything I can to make this not be my last year in football.”
Arizona is coming off a 4-8 season amd hasn’t had a winning season since a 7-6 finish in 2017. The Wildcats hosts Hawaii on Aug. 30 with a time yet to be determined.