As a senior at Pulaski Academy, Barlow had 96 receptions for 1,512 yards (15.7 yards per reception) and 23 touchdowns. He totaled more than 100 yards receiving in seven games during 2008 and recorded four touchdowns in a single game twice. He had three games in which he recorded 10-or-more receptions, including a season-high 12 for 179 yards against Greenwood. During his junior season, he racked up 81 receptions for 1,164 yards (14.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. He helped guide Pulaski Academy to the 2008 Arkansas 5A state championship with a pair of touchdown catches in the 35-32 victory over West Helena Central. He earned all-state honors as a senior. He was named to the Arkansas AP Super Team and was also selected for the All-Arkansas team by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette also named him to the all-metro team as a junior and senior. He is rated the No. 77 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com. He was ranked as the fourth-highest prospect in Arkansas on the HawgSports.com Natural 21 list. His high school coach was Kevin Kelley. He also played basketball. His father (Jeb) played basketball for Dean Smith at North Carolina and was a teammate and roommate with Michael Jordan and a part of the Tar Heels 1982 national championship team. Barlow was also recruited by Kansas, LSU, Missouri, Tulsa and Ohio State. He was born April 27, 1991.