Denver Broncos Interview: OLB Shaquil Barrett
By Tylor Walden
Nov 23, 2013; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Darell Garretson (6) is sacked by Colorado State Rams linebacker Shaquil Barrett (56) during the first quarter at Romney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
With only a few days left to go until training camp, players and coaches are getting in valuable strength and conditioning drills completed as well as a final run through so that all parties involved can be as prepared as possible for training camp.
With the Denver Broncos, the names that come to mind are Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Von Miller, and T.J. Ward to name a few. However, when it all comes down to it, the Denver Broncos will need a supporting cast for the players that I have mentioned above. Most of these players on the roster are either veterans who are looking to make an impact with their experience or they are younger players whom want to prove to the coaching staff that they are the real deal.
Players like Shaquil Barrett are prime example of younger players. There is a good chance we can see him breakout during the 2015 season. For Gary Kubiak and the Broncos coaching staff, versatility is going to be a key part in whether a player gets a roster spot. While Shaquil Barrett is listed as an outside linebacker, he has experience as an inside linebacker as well.
I got the opportunity to talk to Shaquil Barrett in an exclusive interview for Predominantly Orange last Thursday afternoon. He is a quite humble guy who does have a sense of humor. I personally enjoyed talking to him, discussing football, and getting to know more about the man under the helmet.
For those that do not know, Shaquil Barrett was an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State. He was signed by the Denver Broncos shortly after the draft in 2014. I began by asking him what his initial reaction was when he was going to be staying in Colorado to begin his football career.
“I was happy for my family because we were already in Fort Collins.” Barrett said “But I was also happy to be coming to a Super Bowl contender, and to have an opportunity to be coming down here in order to compete for a roster spot.”
Shaquil Barrett spent all but one game during the 2014 season on the practice squad. While he never saw the field during his one game promotion, he took what experience he got during the season and looks forward to taking it in strive to better himself in 2015.
“It was a good learning experience, learning from first team defense every day. It was also good experience going up against the number one tackle, number one guard all the time.” Barrett said. “I’m also trying to get good work in and learn from Demarcus Ware and Von Miller, learning on first steps. I look forward to competing in the 2015 season, especially the preseason where I can do my best to compete and earn a roster spot.”
Speaking of Demarcus Ware and Von Miller, having the opportunity to learn from two of the best defensive players on the roster has been quite an opportunity for Shaquil Barrett and is has not taken his experience learning from them lightly.
Aug 2, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) warm up prior to the start of a scrimmage at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
“It is amazing to learn from (Ware and Miller).” Barrett said. “They are two of the top guys in the league. The Broncos will be good for a long time. Everyone looks up to them and if you get the chance to learn from them, it is the best experience and the best situation to come into. I cannot even explain how much they have taught me so far. I appreciate everything they have done.”
When it comes to meeting new players in the organization, it is important to develop new relationships with the player in question. For Shaquil Barrett, it was important to develop a bond with first round draft pick Shane Ray. Somewhere down the road, these two could be a big part of the defense. Shaquil Barrett talked to me about his interaction with Shane and the chance of them working together.
“First met him at rookie mini camp and we exchanged numbers. Shane Ray is a cool guy. He is doing his thing, giving 110% in order to show everyone why he was the first round pick. We are looking to develop a bond and there is a chance that we both will be on the field at the same time in the future, so it is important to develop that bond and be good. It would be good for the team as well as us.”
Nov 23, 2013; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Darell Garretson (6) avoids Colorado State Rams linebacker Shaquil Barrett (56) during the third quarter at Romney Stadium. Utah State Aggies won 13-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
As Shaquil Barrett continues his quest to become a great NFL player, there is no denying that we all enjoy an underdog story. And I believe that Shaquil Barrett is the epitome of that underdog story. He states what drives him to be the best outside linebacker he could be.
“I want to be able to leave a mark on the game, I strive to become the best. I don’t want to be average or mediocre. I want people to know my name and become one of the best players on the field. I also want to be able to support for my wife, kids, and give my family a life and be able to not have no worries and know they are being taken care of.”
Broncos Country is rooting for you Shaquil Barrett. It will be fun to watch him excel in 2015. I would like to thank Shaquil Barrett for taking time out to do the interview. I wish him the best going into training camp this season.