In
what ways have you changed your training and routine to prepare for
the possibility of life in the NFL?
Connor Barwin: I’ve
haven’t made any drastic changes at all. When I was at the Senior
Bowl, Bill Parcels told me don’t change anything and be your self.
Keep doing what I’ve done my whole career, it’s what’s gotten me
this far and I shouldn’t change it. I’ve always taken care of my
body.
Collin Streetman: What
are you’re measurable according to you? Height, Weight, 40 time, and
the number of reps at 225lbs?
Connor Barwin:
6’31/2”
256 lbs
4.66 (official
time) 4.56(unofficial time)
21 reps at 225lbs
Collin Streetman: What
intangibles can you bring to an NFL team that might not show up on
tape?
Connor Barwin: I
think a lot of the intangibles do show up. I’m consistent player… My
work ethic is an intangible that won’t show up on tape. I have a
motor that doesn’t stop. My football IQ is great as a result of
playing both offense and defense. My ability to have experience on
both sides of the both allows me to know what the other players are
thinking and planning.
Collin Streetman: Some
players are workout warriors, some are film-junkies, and others
spend their free time on the practice field. What’s you’re favorite
aspect of game preparation?
Connor Barwin: In
the regular season, I’d much rather be in the film room trying to
get a handle on any tendencies of my opponent.
Collin Streetman: What
is your favorite part of playing DE?
Connor Barwin: One
on one match-ups and the ability to create plays by your self. It’s
almost like you’re on an island.
Collin Streetman: What
are you keying in on as far as pre-snap reads go as a DE? What are
you looking for while the QB is barking out signals?
Connor Barwin: I’m
trying to get a jump on the snap-count mainly, I want to be faster
than that tackle assigned to block me. What else I look at is how
much the tackle is leaning, trying to figure out what he gonna do.
Is he going to try to punch block me, or is he going to fall back to
intercept me.
Collin Streetman: Do
you have a signature pass rush move, or do you rely on natural
ability mainly?
Connor Barwin: I
rely on my natural ability right now my ability to wear guys down is
my greatest ability… my speed rush is my best move as of now.
Collin Streetman: What
teams do you feel have expressed interest in you?
Connor Barwin: I
was in buffalo, I have a trip to Jacksonville scheduled in April,
and St Louis and Miami has shown interest.. NE, hasn’t shown
interest, but I’ve heard they are intrigued. Denver and Tampa bay
are two other teams that seem to like me as well.
Collin Streetman: Are
you stronger against the run, or the pass?
Connor Barwin: Stronger
against the pass rush. This offseason was my first full offseason of
not playing basketball and I gained 15 lbs… I see myself as being
able to gain 10-15 lbs in the next year or so as well.
Collin Streetman: Versatility
is crucial to making an NFL roster. Some teams have you pegged as a
DE, while others see you as an OLB… where do you see yourself?
Connor Barwin: I
don’t see myself anywhere, in fact, some teams have invited me to
work out as a TE, which I played my first 3 years. They want to see
how I play at that position now that I’ve put on some more weight
and have experience on the other side of the ball. As far as
position at the next level, I think it could be anyone of those
positions… I found a real passion for rushing the passer this past
season though, and I have developed a love for the DE position.
Collin Streetman: Did
playing TE and learning the nuances of blocking help you as a pass
rusher?
Connor Barwin: Yeah
it did… I think that playing DE will help me even more if I get
moved back to TE because as a TE, blocking is a big part of the
equation.
Collin Streetman: Describe
your in-game demeanor using one of the following, focused and calm,
unhinged and explosive, or downright nasty.
Connor Barwin: Haha,
Downright nasty.
Collin Streetman: What
aspect of your game do you feel is strongest?
Connor Barwin: Consistency…
I don’t ever stop, and my motor never quits. Rushing the passer is
my strong point defensively.
Collin Streetman: What
aspect of your game needs the most improvement?
Connor Barwin: I
think defensively my overall techniques and using my hands better is
where I need to focus. As far as the TE position goes blocking
interior d-linemen and keeping my head up when blocking. Improving
my overall strength is a must as well.. I’m strong now, but there is
still some room for improvement.
Collin Streetman: The
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line coach mentioned you by name in
an interview as someone he thought had star potential. Did the
Jaguars show a lot of interest in you at the combine as well?
Connor Barwin: No,
they didn’t. I had 14 formal meeting and I don’t believe a single
one was with Jacksonville… I’ve been told it is the teams that don’t
show interest in you that are most likely to draft you though. There
is a lot of trickery leading up to the draft. I am going for a
formal workout with Jacksonville in April though.
Collin Streetman: Walk
me through the most memorable play of you collegiate career, and how
it developed?
Connor Barwin: My
first game playing Defensive and I got my first sack on a long
broken play, the QB scrambled and I chased him down from behind, it
was a huge confidence booster and really helped me to know that I
could play the position.
Collin Streetman: What
kind of offensive linemen gives you the most trouble, big bruisers,
or smaller guys with great feet and agility
Connor Barwin: Smaller
guys with agility… I can just use my speed against the big bruisers
and get right around them.
Collin Streetman: Do
you have any game-day superstitions or routines you follow?
Connor Barwin: No
nothing like that… only thing I do night before the game, I write in
a journal and write what I plan on doing during that game.
Collin Streetman: How
would you describe your personality and character?
Connor Barwin: