"We don't throw the ball a ton, but when we do, we throw it to him. It's not that complicated," Niumatalolo said.
Despite modest statistics, Barnes will likely finish this season as Navy's second-most productive receiver since Paul Johnson installed the triple-option offense in 2001. Jason Tomlinson had 25 catches for 445 yards and one touchdown in 2005.
Compared with Army's receivers, Barnes is a pass-catching machine.
Only two have caught 10 or more passes, and with the team switching this season to an option offense, the Black Knights average 45.7 passing yards a game. (The Midshipmen average 63.5 yards, while Air Force is 117th at 79.9 yards a game. Georgia Tech, under Johnson, is 116th at 95 yards.)
Throughout his career, Barnes has taken friendly ribbing from teammates, including Kaheaku-Enhada and members of the offensive line, about playing a position they call "wide tackle."
"They say, 'You guys don't do anything but block; you should get a [No.] 60 jersey,' " Barnes said with a smile. "We know it's a big part of our offense. I bought into it a long time ago. I love blocking."
Just yesterday, Navy assistant athletic director Eric Ruden joked about the poster for this year's game. It shows a pair of hands reaching out for a ball in the air.
"Is this a pitch or that guy catching a pass?" Ruden said at the luncheon. "We don't see a lot of that, and neither does Army."
Eyeing the poster, Barnes joked, "Hopefully Coach Niumat will throw a little more" Saturday.
It might be wishful thinking.
NAVY (7-4) VS. ARMY (3-8)
Saturday, noon, Philadelphia
TV: Chs. 13, 9
Radio: 1090 AM
