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Catching up with Connor Barwin: Part II
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Barwin had three blocked punts for the Bearcats in 2008
Over a month has passed since the draft and the Texans have wrapped up their third week of OTAs, but second round draft pick Connor Barwin is still counting the days until he can join the team
In Part I we talked to Barwin about what it was like to be in Cincinnati when all of his teammates were in the middle of OTAs.
In Part II, we finish up our conversation and wish Barwin safe travels as he heads to Houston next weekend.
HTE: Have you had a chance to look around for a place to live?
Barwin: I went down there and looked around and tried to figure it out but I still haven't decided where I want to live.
HTE: I'm sure some of your teammates will have some good advice on that. Houston is a big sprawling city but after you figure it out you will love it. There's the typical big city problems (like the traffic) but overall, it's a great place to live - and the weather will be a lot different than what you're used to.
Barwin: Well, I'm excited about not having to deal with snow.
HTE: I saw on your bio page that it had you listed at 256. Have the Texans indicated where they want you weight-wise?
Barwin: They just said to stay around 255-260 and that's exactly where I'm at right now.
HTE: It sounded like your family really enjoyed being flown down here after the draft.
Barwin: It was great for them. It was so nice of Mr. McNair to do that. I don't exactly have a small family and the way they hosted us was top notch.
HTE: We are forever grateful to Bob McNair for bringing the NFL back to Houston and this city is so ready for playoff football again, it's ridiculous. We're excited that we have you guys coming in to be a part of this.
Barwin: I'll assure you that I'll do everything that I can to get after that playoff game right away and I mean that. I talked to (Brian) Cushing and he feels the same way. The defense has been upgraded and we're excited about playing with the other guys on that defense because it's very talented already. We'll do everything we can, I'll assure you that.
HTE: What are some of the things that you have to work on to become a complete NFL player?
Barwin: Well the Texans have told me I'll be focusing on pass rushing so as far as things to work on, I need to work on my defense against the run first - being a first down guy or a three down player. I think that's something that will come with work and practice and feeling blocks. That's my biggest goal - to play the run as well as I play the pass.
HTE: I see you picked #98. I guess that was to carry on the tradition of Cincinnati Bearcat defensive ends drafted by the Texans?
Barwin: You got it.
HTE: Just don't lose your playbook. I hear that doesn't go over very well.
Barwin: (laughing) Yeah, don't worry. I've been warned.
HTE: So you grew up in Detroit. I assume you were a Lions fan growing up?
Barwin: Yeah, I was a hometown fan ... Lions, Pistons, Red Wings.
HTE: You'll now have a former Big East opponent on your team. You played against Steve Slaton in college, right?
Barwin: Yeah, I played against him a few times.
HTE: What do you think about what he was able to accomplish as a rookie? Here he was a 3rd rounder coming out of the Big East and he really surprised a lot of people who thought he was too small to carry the load he did.
Barwin: Well I think his performance speaks for itself. He proved right away that he could be an every down back in the NFL, and an explosive running back at that. I would have said that before, after watching him beat up on us for three years. We finally beat West Virginia after he was gone. I'll be rubbing it in that we finally got his team my senior year but he got us three other times.
HTE: So if you weren't playing football what would you be doing?
Barwin: I'm an education major so I'd probably be a high school coach and teacher.
HTE: In closing, is there anything in particular that you'd like to say to the Texans fans?
Barwin: Well, I'm extremely excited to get down there. I've done everything I can to prepare myself. I'm ready to get after it - in practice and really, I'm looking forward to getting involved in the Houston community, making Houston my new home and I can't wait to get down there.
HTE: Outstanding. We're excited as well. I'll let you go. Thanks for the time and safe travels.
Barwin: Thanks, it was great talking to you.
A special thanks goes out to Shawn Smith of X-A-M Sports and Entertainment for arranging this interview.
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