Shaquil Barrett

Barrett began his college football career at Nebraska-Omaha, but played only one season there before the program was dropped. He transferred to Colorado State and was eligible immediately. He produced quality numbers as a hybrid linebacker and rush end, earning conference defensive player of the year honors with 20.5 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks as a senior. Barrett, who is married with two young children, has very average physical traits, but makes up for his limitations with his high energy attitude and quick-thinking approach. He isn't overly explosive, but is a balanced and flexible athlete. Barrett has 'tweener traits, but is draftable because of his potential as a nickel rusher.

heady and tracks the ball well with good awareness to recognize the play and adjust. looks comfortable dropping in coverage.

Nice job collecting himself to break down on the move. Aggressive at the point and asked to set the edge quite a bit. Tough and doesn't shy from contact. Doesn't give up once stonewalled with active momentum and good energy.

strengths

Flexible body type with good bend and dip off the edge without losing momentum. Stays light on his feet in space with smooth hip action and good vision to avoid blocks.

nonstop motor and never gives up in pursuit. motivated and ambitious. four-year starter (45 career starts) with productive numbers, seeing time at both inside and outside linebacker and with his hand on the ground (earned mwc defensive poy honors in 2013).

WEAKNESSES

average bulk on his frame and lacks ideal size, doesn't have nfl build. lacks explosive traits and overall speed.

Needs to get stronger and do a better job using his hands to fend off blockers limbs. Struggles to shed blocks and is too easily washed out of plays with suspect base strength. Overaggressive angles and needs to better anticipate what the offense wants to do.

lacks creative pass rush moves and needs to play more controlled at the point of attack. played standing up and with his hand on the ground in college, but what position does he fit at the next level?

--Dane Brugler (2/13/14)

An all-state defensive lineman at Boys Town (Neb.) High School, a private, co-ed boarding school near Omaha with students from across the nation, Barrett played two seasons (2008-09) for the Cowboys

Earned defensive MVP honors of the 2009 Shrine Bowl, a state all-star game, with 11 tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble

Saw action at both defensive end and defensive tackle, as well as offensive line

Helped the 12-1 Cowboys a berth in the 2008 state championship, where they sustained their season's only loss

Became a full-time starter toward the end of his junior season, when coaches shifted him from offense to defense as the Cowboys were making a push for the state title

As a senior in 2009, topped 70 tackles, including 12 sacks, and added five blocked kicks and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown

Head football coach was Kevin Kush

The Athlete of the Year as a senior at Boys Town, followed his all-state honors on the gridiron with an individual 215-pound championship at the Class B state wrestling tournament

Played his first two prep seasons at Baltimore (Md.) City College, one of the nation's oldest high schools, before moving to Boys Town.

Given name Shaquil Akeem Barrett

Born Nov. 17, 1992, in Baltimore, Md.

Parents are Steven Barrett and Donyetta Hawkins

Has three older brothers, one older sister and one younger brother

Older brother Kevin wrestled at Nebraska-Omaha and then at Nebraska-Kearney

Another older brother, DeShawn, also wrestled in college and played semi-pro football in the Baltimore area

Shaquil and his wife Jordanna have two children, Shaquil Jr. (born in 2012) and Braylon (born in 2013)

Was a member of National Honor Society in high school

Majoring in sociology at CSU, but plans to pursue medical school after his playing career

Majored in nursing at UNO

Hometown: Baltimore, Md.