NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Houston Barnes, LB, Portland State University

• Houston Barnes
• Portland State University
• Twitter: @mvp_barnes

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

Lanett, Alabama is my hometown and the thing I love most about it is how majority of my family is there. 

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

• Strength and conditioning because it prepares your body the conditions of the sport and allows you to play a full four quarters when done right. (2) I would have to say film study because it allows you to critique yourself and study your appointment and pick up tendencies. (3) Practice is third only because without being physically ready for this contact sport and not knowing your opponent leads to wasted reps in practice. Time is limited when it comes to practicing so the goal is to be prepared.         

What do you worry about, and why?

            Currently have now worries honestly, I’m alive and controlling everything that I can control. #LOWLIFE         

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

            I remember failing a course in Juco, but I needed that class to make it out and there was only one instructor. I had to re-evaluate my work ethic and apply myself more. I passed the class my last term in juco during football season with the lettergrade “B”.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

            Work ethic, and the ability to lead them!

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

             That boy Devin Gray! Real deal wideout who is currently with the Atlanta Falcons        

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football?

           Would be coaching football and giving back to the youth.    

Room, desk, and car – which do you clean first?

            Room first because that’s the starting point of each and every day, and if you keep your room clean on a consistent basis it will lead to a clean desk, and the car in my opinion.    

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

            Fam first, but after I save my fam we would most definitely try to save the other three.

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

                Will on Fresh Prince of bel-air, the vibes

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

            Most recent is being messed over by a school and losing a year due to NCAA transfer rules. I was a walk-on at Portland state university. Earned a scholarship within a year and was voted team captain.         

What is your most embarrassing moment?

              In Juco when this QB started scrambling and I thought he was soft, so I threw myself into him. That boy ran right through me!

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

             Being banged up vs. No.14 Montana and only being able to play special teams. I really wanted to make an impact on the game. I remember my special team’s coordinator Coach Whitworth telling me all week on punt block that I was going to come free and block a punt. It was fourth down on the second drive of the game and Montana attempted to punt the ball, but I came free for a big time blocked that placed our offense on the 15yd line.        

What song best describes your work ethic?

             Mello Oowee – Ride           

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level?

            I believe my mental toughness, and my aggression.  

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

            I wouldn’t bring nobody back only because I strongly believe that they are in a better place. 

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it?

            Club Shakey’s          

Who is the most overrated player in the NFL?

            Overrated?Ask me this question next year

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

             Most definitely respected. I don’t care about people not liking me, but respect is different. Zero tolerance for disrespect!        

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

              I hate losing!!           

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

             My mother has been the biggest influence on my life. I remember watching my mom struggle at an early age working multiple jobs to make ends meet, not once did she complain. She taught me through her actions not to show weakness, complain, or to give up. My mother’s relentless efforts to make her kids path greater than hers is the reason why I’m not giving in.