Deion Barnes is considered a rising star in the coaching profession, and Penn State gave the former graduate assistant a promotion.

According to multiple reports, the Nittany Lions promoted Barnes to offensive/defensive analyst and analytics coordinator. Barnes reportedly holds a strong reputation from players, recruits and high school coaches, especially for his work in the Philadelphia area.

Terry Smith, an associate coach who works with cornerbacks, called Barnes an “anchor.”

“He does such a great job in Philly,” Smith said, per Audrey Snyder. “He fixed our issues there. Hopefully Deion gets a great job somewhere. He’s a great D-line coach. He’s a great mind. He’s a great recruiter. I hope he can go find the job that he’s looking for, but I don’t want to lose him here at Penn State. Hopefully things can work out here at Penn State long term.”

A Philadelphia native, Barnes was the 2012 Big Ten freshman of the year and played 4 seasons at Penn State.