DJ Barksdale arrived at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina as an unranked prospect, yet his performance quickly turned heads. He earned High School Blitz Junior Game MVP honors, led his team to the 2021 4A State Championship, and collected multiple All‑Region and All‑State selections.
Although he received only five college offers — two from Division II schools and three from Division I programs — Barksdale committed to James Madison University, where he joined under head coach Curt Cignetti.
His freshman year was primarily a special‑teams role, handling kick returns and amassing 319 yards, a modest start that set the stage for greater responsibilities.
In his sophomore season he became a full‑time starter at nickel corner, recording 42 total tackles and two interceptions, and he was named defensive MVP in the Boca Raton Bowl after a standout performance against Western Kentucky.
During his junior year he tallied 36 tackles, finished third in the Sun Belt Conference for pass breakups, and helped James Madison capture the conference championship before the team earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.
A New Chapter in Los Angeles
After the playoff appearance, Barksdale transferred to UCLA, where coaches anticipate his experience and skill set will bolster the Bruins’ secondary and contribute to a defense aimed at greater consistency.