Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Talib Barksdale, LB, Fitchburg State University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Talib Barksdale

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2 1/2 240

What is your position?

LB

Where do you play college football?

Fitchburg State University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Coming out of high school I was being recruited by 3 D1-AA schools n a couple D3 schools.

How did you choose your school?

I transferred to Fitchburg State University after attending a junior college for two years where I received my associates degree (Dean College)

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Hudson,NY

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is my older brother Ra-Shad Barksdale a former NFL player

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Haven’t met with any scouts at the moment

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Growing up I played baseball and basketball

Did you play any other positions in football?

I played quarterback my whole life up until my freshman year in college, then made the switch to TE, then finally made the switch when i transferred to Fitchburg

At your position, what separates you from others?

At my position I believe that my speed and awareness separates me from others

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When watching film I look for tendencies, down and distance, offensive line first steps, favorite receiver targets

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest player that I ever play against was Melikke Van Alstyne from Framingham State

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

If I could compare myself to a person in the NFL I would have to say Jarod Mayo because of his awareness and how physical he plays the game

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

I really can’t think of a obstacle in my life at this moment

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

My pre-game ritual are listening to some music/motivation speeches and praying before I step out on that field

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my speed, zone coverages, communication, and pursuit to the football

What is your biggest weakness?

My weakness is my man coverage, physical structure, and shedding blocks

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

If you were a GM and you gave me one second to sell myself I would say that you are going to make a good investment in me because I’m a hard working player with a good head on his shoulders and I will give it my all everyday to help the team get better and win every game possible.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Growing up I was a huge fan of Tiki Barber and my favorite team is the New York Giants

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

If i could have dinner with three people dead or alive it would have to be Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama and Ray Lewis