Arkansas State University

A graduate of Hoxie High School, Barnhill spent three years at the Jonesboro school after a year at Northwest Mississippi Junior College in Senatobia, Miss. While a member of the Indians for the 1983-86 seasons, Barnhill was an All-Southland Conference selection for three seasons and a 1986 All-American by the AFCA and the AP.

Redshirting in 1983, Barnhill's three years on the field produced a 29-9-3 record, Southland Conference Championships in 1985 and 1986 and an appearance in the Division I-AA National Championship game in 1986.