CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – New England Revolution fans waited 87 days for the start of 2016 preseason camp, currently ongoing in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Darrius Barnes waited a lot longer.
The 29-year-old defender missed the majority of the 2015 campaign after a lingering knee injury required surgery last April, forcing Barnes into an extensive six-month rehabilitation process.
Tack on a three-month offseason and it’s easy to understand why Barnes was so anxious to get back onto the field alongside his teammates, now preparing for his eighth season with the Revolution.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Barnes said on Wednesday morning as the Revs began their first full day in the desert sun. “It’s good to get back into the swing of things and get back into a preseason rhythm.”
Barnes so nearly made his comeback late last season, but New England’s early exit from the playoffs meant his full return was delayed until 2016.
Instead of being discouraged, however, Barnes used the extra time to his advantage, upping his offseason workout regimen in an effort to get himself on par with his teammates this preseason.
Barnes worked with athletic trainers Evan Allen and Phil Madore three to four times a week, supplementing his continued rehab by working out with strength and conditioning coach Nick Downing.
“I just kind of hit it from all angles, trying to make sure I got the strength back in my legs, but also getting my knee the proper rest that it needed,” Barnes said. “To get back out here and knock the ball around, it feels better than it did at any point last year, so that’s a positive step.”
It’s not the first time that Barnes has said his knee feels better than it has for years, and that’s a sentiment supported by the fact that he’s a full participant in preseason training. No restraints.
Barnes’ return is welcome for a Revolution side that lacked backline depth in 2015, and his ability to play both fullback positions and center back is invaluable in that regard.
But head coach Jay Heaps pointed to other attributes Barnes brings to a youngish Revolution team, both on the field and in the locker room.
“His presence on the field is huge, because he’s a competitor and he leads by example,” Heaps said of his fellow Duke grad. “There’s never a training session where he doesn’t leave it all on the field and that’s contagious. Guys see that and that’s what we like having around.”
“It’s great to be able to come out here and help lead some of these younger guys,” said Barnes, who also mentioned the leadership of fellow veterans Chris Tierney and Brad Knighton, New England’s longest-tenured trio. “I think we have a great mix of guys here that can help this team succeed.”
It’ll be at least six more weeks before Barnes has the chance to play in a first-team game – the Revolution’s season opener is set for March 6 in Houston – but for now he’s satisfied to be healthy and back to full training. As for preseason matches, he’ll likely see his first action next week.
And when he gets that opportunity, he’ll be ready to tackle it head on.
“I’m fit and healthy and ready to go,” said Barnes. “I’m out here fighting for a spot just like everyone else.”
