Great kickers have a knack for stealing the spotlight, and Ryan Barker has certainly mastered that art. The redshirt freshman went from walk-on kicker to walk-off hero after an unforgettable overtime game-winner against USC, calmly slotting a 36-yarder that kept Penn State’s perfect record intact back in October. Yet the Nittany Lions number 94 said he “wasn’t really surprised” when his final kick soared through the uprights.

Ryan Barker, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound kicker, has since solidified his spot as the Nittany Lions’ starting kicker. His reliability was on full display on Jan. 1 during Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State, where his lone field goal from 40 yards proved to be the difference-maker. In his high school days at Kennett High School, the kicker kicked it off with a four-year letterwinner. In a season where opponents faltered under pressure, Barker stood tall, making 14 of 17 field goals and nailing 45 extra points—a testament to his technical precision and mental toughness.

Who is Ryan Barker’s mom?

Sally Barker, his mother, keeps a lower profile, but her influence on her son is just as significant. Residing in Landenberg, Sally’s support throughout Ryan’s high school and college years has been unwavering. While details about her professional life remain private, her role in nurturing a sense of balance and focus for Ryan Barker has been evident. Whether cheering from the stands or offering quiet encouragement, she’s been a steady presence in his journey.

Who is Ryan Barker’s Dad?

The son of Christopher Barker and Sally, Ryan’s upbringing, provides a fascinating context for his calm demeanor and work ethic. His pops, Christopher Barker, an athletic trainer and head of Health and Physical Education at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, has long been immersed in the world of sports and fitness. He completed his high school at Cherry Hill West.

A graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Christopher has dedicated over two decades to training athletes and promoting wellness. “Sports have always been part of our family fabric,” he said in a conversation. That lifelong immersion likely gave Ryan a unique perspective on discipline and preparation—qualities that define his kicking style.

Where did Ryan Barker grow up?

Landenberg, Pennsylvania, served as the launchpad for Barker’s remarkable trajectory. Known for its tight-knit community, the town gave Ryan the perfect setting to hone his craft. At Kennett High School, he juggled academics and athletics with aplomb, earning honor roll distinctions each year while excelling on the gridiron.

Talk about his kicking start at Kennett, a small-town school with a blue-collar ethos, played a pivotal role in shaping his skills and resilience as a placekicker. During his senior year, Barker not only helped Kennett clinch its first-ever Chesmont Division title but also earned first-team all-state honors as a kicker and punter. “Those years weren’t just about football,” Barker shared in an interview. “It was about building confidence and understanding how to thrive under pressure.” His blend of accuracy, leg strength, and a clutch gene made him a standout even then, laying the foundation for his meteoric rise at Penn State.