IOWA CITY, Iowa - - Former University of Iowa linebacker Fred Barr will serve as honorary captain Saturday when Iowa hosts North Texas at Kinnick Stadium (2:35 p.m., ESPN2) in its final nonconference game.
Barr, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was a four-year letterwinniner (1999-2002), concluding his career by helping the Hawkeyes earn a share of the 2002 Big Ten title. Barr played as a true freshman in 1999, earning third team Freshman All-America recognition from The Sporting News.
As a senior, Barr led Iowa in tackles (114) and ranked ninth in the conference. He garnered first team All-Big Ten honors as the Iowa defense ranked fifth in the nation in rushing defense. He shared team captain and Most Valuable Player honors and was selected to compete in the Rotary Gridiron Classic following his Iowa career.
Barr and the Hawkeyes posted an 11-2 overall record in 2002, including a perfect 8-0 conference mark. Iowa ended the season ranked eighth nationally in both major polls while earning a spot in the 2003 Orange Bowl. Barr concluded his career with 376 tackles, currently ranking seventh on Iowa’s all-time list.
Barr helped Iowa post a 7-5 record in 2001, including a victory in the Alamo Bowl – Iowa’s first bowl game and win under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Barr earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accoaldes after starting all 12 games and ranking second on the team with 116 tackles. Barr started six games in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Barr will accompany the Iowa captains to the center of the field for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.