Taye Barber is a name that might not be familiar to many NFL fans, but he is one of the newest members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barber is a wide receiver who played college football at TCU and was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023. But who is Taye Barber related to? And what makes him an intriguing prospect for the defending Super Bowl champions? Here is a brief overview of his background, career and potential.
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Early Life and High School Career
Barber was born on October 24, 1999, in Cypress, Texas. He attended Cypress Springs High School there, where he played both quarterback and running back. Barber threw for 3,832 yards and 38 touchdowns while adding 832 yards rushing and 10 scores on the ground his sophomore year, which earned him earned second-team all-district honors. Barber transitioned to a running back as a senior, rushing for 805 yards and seven touchdowns in addition to totaling 10 receptions for 294 yards and a score.
Barber was a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com, ranked as the No. 8 athlete in Texas and No. 42 in the nation, rated as the No. 76 overall player in Texas. Barber had multiple offers from Clemson, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Wisconsin, but ultimately chose TCU over them.
College Career at TCU
Barber made an immediate impact as a true freshman with 300 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches on the season. Barber played in every game of the season for the Horned Frogs and had multiple catches on all but two occasions.
Barber continued to be a reliable target for TCU in his sophomore and junior years, leading the team in receptions both seasons. In 2020, he was the go-to guy for quarterback Max Duggan with 31 receptions (team-high) and was awarded 2020 Honorable Mention All-Big 12.
Barber had his best season as a senior in 2022, recording career highs in receptions (37), receiving yards (613), and touchdowns (5). He also had two rushing touchdowns and returned punts for the Horned Frogs. He finished his college career with 92 receptions for 993 yards and four touchdowns.
Professional Career with the Buccaneers
Despite his productive college career, Barber was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, he did not have to wait long to find a new home, as he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.
Barber joins a crowded wide receiver room in Tampa Bay, which features stars like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Scotty Miller. However, Barber has some traits that could help him stand out and earn a roster spot. He is a versatile player who can line up in different positions, run various routes, contribute on special teams and make plays after the catch. He is also a hard worker who has overcome adversity and challenges throughout his life.
Barber is not related to any famous NFL players or celebrities, but he does have a supportive family who has helped him achieve his dreams. His parents are Tonya and Terry Barber, and he has two brothers named Treyvon and Tyree. Barber also has a daughter named Tyla who was born in December 2020.
Barber is determined to make his mark in the NFL and prove his doubters wrong. He has a chance to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the league and be part of a winning culture in Tampa Bay. He is one of the undrafted rookies to watch in the upcoming season.
