Assistant Director of Performance Enhancement
Barry Gant, Jr., has been the Director of Sports Performance at Alcorn State University since the spring of 2022.
Previously, Gant served as the Assistant Director of Performance Enhancement at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) for eight years from 2014-2022. During that time, he was responsible for training the receivers and specialist for Penn State Football. Gant mentored and had a role in developing the first and second-ranked All-Time receptions leaders in Nittany Lion football history. Also, during his time at Penn State, He also played a role in developing multiple NFL draft picks. Specifically, a first, second, and third round selections at the wide receiver position.
Gant helped develop multiple wide receivers at Penn State that went on to play professionally and also two punters that are currently on NFL rosters. Penn State also won a Big-10 Championship and competed in seven bowl games during his time as the Assistant Director of Sports Performance Enhancement.
Prior to Penn State, Gant spent three years (2011-2014) at Vanderbilt University as the Assistant Director of Performance Enhancement. He worked primarily with the receivers and spent time with the other skill positions as well. He worked extensively to help develop Vanderbilt’s All-Time Leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns leader. The same player was also the all-time SEC record holder for career receptions and receiving yards. These achievements culminated with the player being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. During the three years at Vanderbilt, Gant and the Commodores competed in three consecutive bowl games winning two out of the three games.
Gant interned at the University of Miami (2005) and Louisiana State University (2010) before being hired at Vanderbilt. He also was a baseball and strength coach at Coral Gables High School and Doral Academy High School in Miami.
Gant was drafted by the New York Yankees (aka Barry Brown). As well attended Grossmont College, Cal-Poly Pomona University, San Diego State University, and the University of Phoenix.
Gant and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Lorman with their son Barry III and daughter Amaya.
