Miami’s Josiah Barley
By Bryce McKinnis
Josiah Barley, a Miami High School senior two-way lineman, lives by his faith and means it.
“One thing everyone needs to know about me is that I am a follower of Jesus,” Barley said. “I am a Christian first and a football player second. My faith informs every area of my life by being the reason I do everything — For the glory of God.”
Barley’s earthly father has had an indelible impact on his life, too, by guiding him as a Christian, student, athlete and young man.
“My dad has inspired me the most,” Barley said. “Seeing the type of man, father and husband he is has shaped me into the person I am today and the person I strive to be.”
Barley, motivated by watching college and NFL football, was drawn to football from a young age. He wasted little time getting started at 7 years old. An all-around standout student-athlete, Barley also throws for the Wardogs track & field team and is active in MHS’s student council and national honor society.
Football has provided Barley with some of his most meaningful memories and some of his most important battles. Either way, he counts it toward his mission to share his faith.
“The greatest challenge I have ever faced as an athlete was playing against Grove this past year,” Barley said. “It was the hardest game I’ve ever played, and I overcame it by having good teammates who encouraged me and told me to keep fighting through even when I was exhausted.”
It’s no secret that God blessed Barley with a football body, too. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound prospect has picked up offers from top regional Division II programs including Emporia State and Northeastern State. While playing at the next level is certainly on his radar, Barley prioritizes the here-and-now.
“My expectation for this upcoming season is to win the state championship game,” Barley said. “Winning as much as possible should always be the goal. Reaching that point will take a lot of hard work, dedication, the right mindset and for some of the younger guys to step up.”
