2008: Played in eight games, starting six at middle linebacker...missed the final four games because of an injury...finished with 43 total tackles, including 19 solo stops...had a season-high 11 tackles against Liberty...finished with four solos against the Flames...had eight tackles, including a season-high five unassisted against Southern Illinois...had seven stops at Missouri State...had six stops at Ohio State and at South Dakota State...had two tackles against Central State and North Dakota State...also had a stop at Southern Utah...started the first five five games and against SIU...forced and recovered a fumble at Missouri State...had a sack for a five-yard loss at SDSU...intercepted two passes...returned an INT four yards versus Liberty...had a three-yard return at Southern Utah...also handled long-snapping duties...named the Hill Barth & King Special Teams Player of the Game against SDSU...earned his third letter.

2007: Served as the long snapper and short snapper throughout the season...appeared in all 11 games...only player to snap the ball for the year...HBK Special Teams Player of the Game against Lock Haven...had five total tackles...had two stops at Ohio State...credited with a solo and an assist at OSU...had two stops, one solo and on assist, at Indiana State...had an assist against Lock Haven...played 101 snaps on special teams...HBK Special Teams Player of the Game vs. Lock Haven...earned his second letter...Named to Gateway Honor Roll.

2006: Was the long snapper and short snapper throughout the season...saw action in all 14 games...only player to snap the ball for the year...was a three-time HBK Special Teams Player of the Game recipient...earned honors against Maine, Missouri State and Illinois State (playoffs)...had six total tackles...credited with 34 total plays on defense during the regular season...most extensive action was at Western Illinois...finished with three stops and a pass breakup against the Leathernecks...had two tackles at Missouri State...had an assist against UNI...earned his first letter...Named to Gateway Honor Roll.

2005: One of seven true freshmen to see playing time...finished with eight tackles playing in five games on the year...was a member of the special-teams units and reserve linebacker...had a season-high four stops against Indiana State...had two tackles against Slippery Rock...had tackles at Liberty and Pittsburgh...had solo stops against the Panthers and Sycamores...credited with 42 plays on defense...had a season-high 18 at Indiana State...did not play in the final five contests...was scout team Defensive Player of the Week against Western Kentucky.

High School: As a senior, was a second-team all-state Associated Press Class AAAA selection...named to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Terrific 25...also named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Fab 22...was a first-team All-Quad Southwest selection...team finished 11-2 and lost in the WPIAL AAAA title game to Pittsburgh Central Catholic (28-0) at Heinz Field...team won All-Quad Southwest title...had eight tackles in the title game...it was Gateway’s first appearance in the championship game since 1986...second on the team with 118 tackles, including 49 solos...second on the team with six sacks...recovered two fumbles, forced two fumbles, had two interceptions...also had eight rushes for 52 yards and a 19-yard touchdown ruan against McKeesport for injured star Justin King...caught four passes for 166 yards and a touchdown...played tight end and running back...team had an 11-game winning streak for the year...defense posted four shut outs...returned a fumble 28 yards for a touchdown against Woodland Hills...had a 55-yard touchdown reception against Thomas Jefferson...scored on a 19-yard run against McKeesport...was a team captain...nominated to participate in the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game...as a junior, recorded 84 tackles...had a team-best 4.5 sacks...had two interceptions...Gators finished the year 9-2...lost to North Hills in the state quarterfinals...named to first-team All-Quad South...in his career, recorded 209 total tackles, including 66 solo stops...had 10.5 sacks and four interceptions...team won three straight conference championships and made three consecutive playoff appearances...two-time Gateway Defensive MVP...posted a three-year mark of 29-7...three-year letterwinner...team was 9-3 his sophomore year...coach was Terry Smith.

Personal: Parents are Kevin and Terry Barlak...has a sister (Sara)...born Oct. 24, 1986...father Kevin attended Southern Illinois and was a long snapper and offensive guard for the Salukis in 1972...Richard Peterson Scholarship Recipient 2008-09major is Integrated Mathematics.