Name: Charles Barnes III
School: Midland University
Position: Bandit/OLB
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set for this season was to win the Conference Championship, make a run for the National Championship, be All-Conference, and become an All-American. We fell short on the Conference Championship and National Championship. I ended up getting Honorable Mention for the All-Conference and I’m still waiting on the list for All-American to be released.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I feel this year gave me the chance to elevate mentally. I faced a lot of adversity during this season with injuries, but I never folded and kept pushing through. I was also able to become bigger, faster, stronger which was another reason I came back for the extra year.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say I’m relentless. No matter how much the odds are not in our favor, I’m going to continue to make plays or try to make plays that will tip the odds in our favor. We could be down by 100 and I’m going to play as if we’re down by 1 and we’re going to win. I don’t believe in the words “I Can’t”.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
I look for the tendencies of the OC and after understanding the tendencies of the OC, I begin to watch the guys I’m lined up across from that I will be facing on the field. This can range from stance changes, what they do when they are about to get the ball as to when they are not, what happens when they get tired, does it affect their technique or not, what can I do that makes them uncomfortable, and so on. The more uncomfortable I make them the more mistakes they will make, which will help my team win the game.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I am versatile when it comes to what positions I can play. Throughout my college career I have lined up at Safety, WR, CB, OLB, DE, and Bandit. All I need to know is what’s needed from me and I’m going to get the job done.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan is continue to put on weight while also getting faster, stronger because there’s always room for improvement which has been something I’ve lived by. I’m looking to get to about 230-235 good lean weight, so that I may look the part while also doing my part.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field, I would bring that coach/player mentality once I’ve become acclimated with the scheme and how things are run. The best team I played for was operated mostly by the players as far as how things should be run and getting everybody up to speed on how things are suppose to be done. Off the field, I would say I bring wisdom. I’ve been told I’m wise beyond my age, but I just credit that to the fact I’ve become very open and understanding of a lot of things as I’ve gone through life. Definitely a guy who looks after his teammates in all aspects. I’m real big on “We” and not “Me”.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I just hope they take a chance on a small school guy that has the ability to make some big time plays in all three phases of the game that will make opponents think twice about their game plan.
