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Auburn Football: Peyton Barber in NFL Draft because mother is homeless

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) carries against the Idaho Vandals during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) carries against the Idaho Vandals during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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A shocking revelation from former Auburn running Peyton Barber on his decision to enter the NFL Draft at the NFL Combine.

The SEC is used to seeing dozens of underclassmen leave school early each year and enter the NFL Draft where the majority of them are taken in the early part of the draft.

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That likely won’t be the case for former Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber who may not even be drafted but had no choice but to leave school early to care for his family.

Barber was asked at the NFL Combine on Wednesday why he declared for the NFL Draft despite possibly going undrafted when he delivered a bombshell saying his mother is homeless right now.

“Right now she’s staying with her sister,” he said. “It’s her and her three kids staying in an apartment back home.”

Barber is betting on himself to prove the doubters wrong who think he lacks the speed to play in the league and those who question if he has the ability to pick up a complex NFL offense despite having dyslexia and ADHD.

With his mother as a source of motivation, Barber may be able to turn in a time in the 40 to ease those concerns of the NFL and Barber anticipates running in the 4.4’s and mid-4.5s. About the concerns he can’t pick up an offense, Barber scoffs and says he was an honor roll student three times at Auburn and that won’t be an issue.

Barber began his final season at Auburn as the third-string back but gradually moved into the starters role and finished his season with 1,017 yards and 13 touchdowns.

While the question about where or if Barber gets drafted won’t be answered until May, there is one question that needs to be addressed. What can the NCAA do to help players like Barber stay in school?

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The pay for play debate is not going to end and the case with Barber and his mother adds more fuel to the case for those who believe student-athletes should be financially rewarded.

How much money would a 1,000-yard running back be worth to Auburn?

Surely, it would be enough for Barber to help cover expenses for his mother to get a residence so she wasn’t homeless.

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