Brian “Pop” Barton was given the nickname by his father without any significant meaning early in life.
Through Barton’s years of football, the nickname has grown among his teammates and coaches because the safety loves to hit ball carriers.
Barton’s emotion for the game comes from his inspiration – his mother, Kyesha Harris-Foster. Harris-Foster served in the medical field of the Army until passing away in 2015. Through the service of his mother and father, a retired Army sergeant first class, Barton became highly interested in the military branch.
Army football’s staff was as interested in Barton, an incoming senior at Mansfield (Texas) Legacy High School, this spring. Linebackers coach Juice Weaver offered Barton in April. Weaver followed with a visit to meet Barton and his father the next week in Texas. Barton returned with a Junior Day visit on June 7.
One day after training, Barton came home with a letter from coach Jeff Monken, writing that the staff would “love” to have him play for the Black Knights.
Barton’s mother is looking down with approval of her son’s decision. Barton committed to Army, joining its 2025 recruiting class earlier this week.
“After Junior Day, it was basically a no-brainer for me,” Barton said. “I even voiced this to coach Juice.
“I loved everything about it (his Junior Day visit). The energy was great and the environment is something I felt I could be a part of.”
Barton plays the game physical at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds. Versatility is also Barton’s game.
“I am not hesitant to come down to make a tackle,” said Barton, whose interests outside of football span from gardening, completing challenging puzzles, watching anime and playing video games. “I can also cover deep as well.”
Barton’s Army football future started by filling out a recruiting questionnaire. Now, Barton has the opportunity to follow his family’s path of Army service while playing college football at the highest level.
