Q & A: Connor Barwin

Rookie Connor Barwin’s burgeoning skills as a pass rusher are being honed under the direction of veteran Houston Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar.

The converted tight end spent just one year on defense at the University of Cincinnati.

Drafted in the second round after leading the Big East with a dozen sacks, 16 tackles for loss and three blocked punts as a senior, Barwin emerged as a rising draft prospect because of his versatility, intensity, 4.59 speed in the 40-yard dash and outstanding game film. The 6-foot-3, 256-pound defensive end also registered a 40½-inch vertical leap and a 10-8 broad jump at the NFL Combine.

Last year, Barwin was named an All-American and All-Big East selection. He was the only player in college football to catch a touchdown pass, register a sack and block a kick last season. For his career, he caught 53 passes for 692 yards and six touchdowns.

In an interview with National Football Post, Barwin discussed his transition to the NFL and several other topics.

NFP: How did your first training camp go and what did you learn?

Barwin: We just broke camp and I thought it was pretty good. I thought I came out of training camp as a much better player than I was when I arrived. I think I've gotten used to playing over a tight end. I think my pass rush has improved. I've expanded my tool box as far as my moves.

AP

NFP: What's your approach as a rookie who's learning on the job?

Barwin: I try to carry myself as a pro. I've kept my mouth shut for the most part. I do what I'm told. I show up for work every day and I always play hard. As a rookie, you don't want to say too much. You just want to stay quiet and let your play speak for you.

NFP: Have your boxing workouts helped your game?

Barwin: I think it helps tremendously. You develop your hand speed. It helps you so much as far as using your hands. I can't believe how important that is to play on the defensive line. You need fast hands and coordination and strength. The boxing is fun and it's a great workout, but it really does apply to football.

NFP: What's your outlook as far as playing time?

Barwin: I don't know exactly what's going to happen with that. So far, I'm on the nickel defense and I'm backing up Mario Williams. He's not the best person to back up because he's a Pro Bowler. Whenever he needs a break, I'll be ready. I'm learning a lot of great things from him, so it's a good situation for me.

NFP: How involved are you going to be on special teams?

Barwin: I've been doing all the punts so far in the preseason and kickoff returns. I'm hoping to be on every special team when the season starts. Special teams is something you've really got to love.

NFP: Does your background as a tight end help you on defense as far as figuring out what the blocking schemes are?

Barwin: It definitely helped me at Cincinnati as far as getting to the NFL. I think it's carried right through here in the NFL, too. I try to do the same things. There's certain things you'll know that the offense is doing because you've played the position before. It's definitely been a big help.

NFP: Do the Texans envision you ever playing tight end for them?

Barwin: No, I don't miss the position at all. I won't be playing any tight end. I have been having more fun playing defense anyway.

NFP: What's the transition to the NFL been like off the field?

Barwin: I thought it would take a little bit longer for people to recognize me. At Cincinnati, I played football and basketball all four years and people recognized me everywhere I went. I thought it would happen in Houston right away, but I flew under the radar. After the first two preseason games, I ran a couple of errands this morning and people walked up to me. It doesn't take long. This is a really good football town and they love the Texans.

APBarwin (No. 98) with fellow rookie Brian Cushing (No. 56).

NFP: Would you describe the Texans as a hungry football team?

Barwin: I think so. I can't speak for everybody, but I think the time is now. We're ready to win now. It's time.

NFP: Did you think you were underrated heading into the NFL draft process?

Barwin: Yeah, I think so. I think pretty much every guy thinks that. It's not like anybody was to blame. I just played a different position most of my career and people were skeptical about that. I think people learned a lot about me during the draft process. I think what I bring to the table is consistency. I think I'm a guy you can trust and a guy that brings speed to the defense.

NFP: What's your approach as far as taking advantage of your time in the NFL?

Barwin: From where I grew up and my family, I know what an unbelievable opportunity and an unbelievable experience this is. I take it very seriously and I enjoy it and hopefully everything will go great for me here in Houston.

NFP: Do you have a message for the fans?

Barwin: For my fans at Cincinnati, I appreciate all the love I got. It was a great time for four years. As far as the Texans' fans, I'm really looking forward to this rookie year and I'm going to do everything I can to sack Peyton Manning and everybody else in the AFC South.

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