Bari began his football career with the Selmer PeeWee League, playing for the Redskins and then Blue Bears. In junior high, Clay Shirley coached him for three years at Bethel. "He was always the biggest kid, even in 6th grade. He started both sides of the ball. He had a bigger heart than his size. For the longest time, he was scared he was going to hurt everybody, but I finally got that out of him his 8th grade year. He dominated both sides of the ball, " said Coach Shirley. "Off the field, he always did the right thing, always worked hard in class, always had the grades. He was very responsible for his age. "

 

Coach Johnson also praised Jabari's work ethic both on and off the field. He said those hours Bari had put in were paying off with this achievement, and encouraged the younger players to take note. Johnson also gave credit to Bari's parents for raising such an outstanding young man.

 

Jabari is pictured with his parents, Johvon and Christy McClendon, Granny Estella Robinson, brother Kintevius Newsom & fiance Alana Pusser, cousin Amecha Robinson, and the MCHS football coaches: Wes Johnson, Clay Shirley, Jim McCay, Steve Ray, Brian Franks, Jonathan Williams, Tanner Kinkennon, and Kyle McDaniel.  Brother Kintevius "Tata" also played college football for two years at Bethel University.