Former Youngstown State wide receiver Dominique Barnes (Southfield, Mich.) signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
At YSU, Barnes caught 168 passes for 2,062 yards and 15 touchdowns in 40 games played. His 168 career receptions rank second in school history, while his 15 touchdowns are fifth along with his 2,062 yards. He set a school record with a reception in 34 consecutive games. In 2009 and 2010 he had more than 60 receptions, becaming the first player in school history to record more than 60 catches in consecutive years.
Last year, he was a frst-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. Barnes had a career-high 67 catches for 911 yards and four touchdowns, good for an average of 82.8 yards per game and 13.6 per reception. On four occasions he had at least 10 receptions, including tying the school record with 11 at Penn State. He had five 100-plus receiving yard games, highlighted by 151-yard effort vs. North Dakota State.
For the campaign, he had 1,344 all-purpose yards rushing for 34, returning 11 punts for 182 and 12 kickoffs for 217.
In 2009, he was an honrable-mention all-conference selection. Barnes caught 60 passes, playing alongside Donald Jones, who signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent last season. Barnes led the MVFC with eight touchdown receptions and finished with 762 yards.
Barnes is the second member of the 2010 Penguins to sign as an undrafted free agent joining cornerback Brandian Ross (Packers).
