Barnes excelled on defense for the Farmers using his size at 6 feet 2 inches and 220 pounds to intimidate anyone who dared to carry the ball on his turf.

He made All-Golden Gate conference and attracted the attention of major college football coaches around the country for his rough and rugged style of play at linebacker.

After playing at Chabot for two years, Barnes transferred to the University of California at Berkeley from 1975-1976, helping the Golden Bears to a 1975 Pacific-8 Title.

His outstanding play at Cal prompted the Oakland Raiders to select Barnes in the fifth round of the 1977 NFL draft.

Barnes had an outstanding rookie year with the Raiders, becoming a special teams superstar who was recognized for his rough and reckless play.

Jeff Barnes will be remembered as one of the greatest and toughest defensive players in the history of Hayward High, Chabot College and University of California at Berkeley.