After carrying the rushing load for the Melrose Buffaloes, Call Barnard is taking his act to Las Vegas, N.M.

Barnard, a senior on Melrose’s 13-0 eight-man state champion squad, said he has signed an letter-of-intent to play for Clovis native Chad Roanhaus at New Mexico Highlands.

He chose the Cowboys over Eastern New Mexico, West Texas A&M and New Mexico Military Institute.

“They’re pretty tough, (with a) physical style of play,” Barnard said of the Cowboys, who finished 3-8 last season. “I like how coach (Leroy) Gonzales runs the 4-3 defense. It felt like that was where God was calling me to go.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound Barnard said there may be a chance for him to start at weakside linebacker.