Barkema, an Iowa native, was the tight ends coach at Missouri State University for two seasons prior to UNI. He also worked with the MSU special teams and was involved with MSU’s digital recruiting efforts while with the Bears.
In his first season with Missouri State, Barkema coached two standout tight ends in veteran Matt Swan and newcomer Gannon Sinclair. Swan went on to earn MVFC Scholar-Athlete second team after starting all 12 games while Sinclair earned eight starts and finished with three touchdowns. During his second year, he also saw Sinclair and punter Chris Sullens earn MVFC honorable mention status.
Prior to his stint in Springfield, Barkema was the defensive line coach for Upper Iowa in Fayette, Iowa during the 2012 season. He assisted with special teams and video coordination, while recruiting the state of Iowa and Wisconsin. His punt return unit ranked third nationally in NCAA Division II Football.
Barkema also spent three years as a graduate assistant coach for Iowa State. While with the Cyclones, he was an integral part in recruiting in the state of Missouri and Kansas, while also organizing the offensive scout team. He also worked with the team’s linebackers and special teams. During his time with the Cyclones, he coached four All-Big 12 players, including 2011 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, A.J. Klein.
As a graduate of Iowa State, Barkema had a standout career as a Cyclone, starting 36 games at tight end from 2003-2007. He caught 52 passes for 566 yards and scored four touchdowns during his career. He matched a career-high with 18 receptions during his senior season in 2007 and completed his college career averaging more than 10 yards per receptions. His tenure in Ames also saw him play in the 2004 Independence Bowl and 2005 Houston Bowl.
His best individual game came in 2005 when he snagged three receptions for 61 yards and touchdown in a 30-16 home win over Colorado. Barkema earned Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll status in the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007 and was also a Big 12 All-Academic selection in 2007.
After finishing his career with the Cyclones, Barkema was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft. He then returned to Ames for the 2009 season as the programs graduate assistant.
A native of Muscatine, Iowa, Barkema was a three-sport standout, earning all-state honors in football and basketball while also leading his baseball team to the state tournament. He was named the Quad City Times’ 2003 Male Athlete of the Year.
He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Iowa State in 2007 and 2011 respectively. He completed his postgraduate work in education leadership and policy studies.
