Barker grew up in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, a suburban community outside of Philadelphia, with his two sisters, Lila and Lexie.

Despite focusing on football, he also excelled in lacrosse where he started on defense for Haverford's nationally ranked team.

After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft, Barker signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys on April 24, 2010.

Barker signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad after being cut by Dallas, and was activated later in the season.

He was waived during final cuts on September 3, 2011, and re-signed to the Buccaneers' practice squad two days later.