Rams’ Shaquil Barrett Had Something to Prove

Shaquil Barrett couldn’t believe his ears.

The all-state defensive lineman from Boys Town (Neb.) High School, who grew up in Baltimore, Md.,  had already gone through a lot to get this far. And, now this.

Nebraska-Omaha, his college of choice, was giving up football before his career could even get started.

“When I heard that the program was dropped, I was in denial,” the senior Rams’ linebacker said. “I said, ‘they can’t really do that’. I thought, ‘I shouldn’t have come here in the first place’. But, my decisions led me there and things have worked out great since then.”

Barrett joined the Colorado State team in summer, 2011 and immediately became an important part of the defense. He started 11 games that season, averaging 8.2 tackles per game, which led the team and was third in the conference. As a junior in 2012, he was named to several preseason All-Mountain West teams and finished the season with 67 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

“I think all of this helped me as a person,” Barrett said. “I wanted to prove at Division II that I belonged. I made my way to the first team. I had the attitude that I could do what I wanted if I worked hard. When some other players were injured, I took advantage of the opportunity and never looked back.”

 

Barrett Knows Where He Belongs

When linebacker Shaquil Barrett played in the Pop Warner league as a child, he was a fullback and a tight end. In high school, he moved from fullback to offensive line. Then, in college he played linebacker initially, but the change in defensive philosophy under new Colorado State Jim McElwain has some wondering if he should be considered a linebacker or a defensive end.

“Oh, I’m a linebacker,” Barrett said when asked about his position. “Really, I’m our fourth rusher. It depends on the game plan. The change in our defense enhances my chances to be a playmaker. It gives me an opportunity for more sacks.”