WAYNE COUNTY, NC – A hometown standout is headed to the NFL, as Eastern Wayne High School graduate Nick Barrett was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday.
Barrett, who went on to play collegiately at the University of South Carolina, was taken with the No. 145 overall pick after building a reputation as a physical and dependable presence on the defensive line.
The 6-foot-3, 312-pound defensive tackle capped off a strong college career with a productive 2025 season, starting 12 games and recording 42 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. Over five seasons with the Gamecocks, Barrett appeared in 51 games and totaled 72 tackles.
Draft analysts took note of his skillset heading into the draft. Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Barrett among the top 10 defensive tackles in the class, while Dane Brugler highlighted his strength, length, and relentless motor. Brugler described Barrett as a player who can develop into more while contributing early as a rotational lineman.
Barrett embraces the role he brings to the next level.
“I’m more of a run stopper, push the pocket,” he said. “I do good with anchoring and taking on double teams and creating knockbacks. I’m very strong at the point of attack.”
His journey to the NFL included a significant personal transformation. Barrett said he focused on improving his conditioning and refining his technique ahead of his final college season.
“Really just having to re-brand myself,” he said. “Locking in and getting my body in better shape. I used to be a heavy guy — at my heaviest I was at 340. So getting my weight down and getting my stamina up. Play style, too. Working on technique and trying to perfect my craft.”
Barrett joins a Chargers defensive line group that includes Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, and Dalvin Tomlinson, adding depth and physicality to the interior.
From Eastern Wayne High School to the NFL, Barrett’s selection marks a major milestone for both the player and his local community, as he takes the next step in his football career.
