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2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: PJ Barr, OG, Bucknell University

PJ Barr is a veteran offensive lineman and one of the team captains at Bucknell University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: PJ Barr
  • Height: 6’3”
  • Weight: 290 lbs
  • Position: OG
  • College: Bucknell University
  • Twitter: @PJBarr1
  • Instagram: pj_barr

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
This past semester I worked with multiple early education organizations. The first being a nature elementary school. It’s an alternative style of learning that allows kids to develop their self confidence and view learning through a non-traditional lens. This style of elementary school focuses more on learning through the kids playing together instead of sitting in a class room all day. 

The second organization I worked for was a program called Getting Ahead. Half of this program was for adults to learn better life skills such as financial management and practice for upcoming job interviews. While the adults were in their classes, I would be working with the kids on how to work better in teams and how to overcome certain social problems that they might run into while working with other people their age. 

How did you end up at Bucknell?
Bucknell was one of the first schools to recruit me while I was in high school. I fell in love with the coaching staff at the time, and I felt at home while I was walking around the campus and the facilities. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I have the ability to lead and keep the o-line room as well as the team on track to achieve our goals. I look to build my teammates up and help them through the ups and downs of the season. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself in a leadership role after being elected captain. The position that suits my skill set the best would be guard. Playing guard allows me to be much more physical because of how quick you get engaged with the defender. However, I’ve really enjoyed getting the opportunity to also play tackle in college. I played left side freshman year, right side sophomore year, and left guard and tackle junior year

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I ever played against was Abdullah Anderson. He was a senior defensive lineman at my school my freshman year, and he is currently playing for the Chicago Bears. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The teammate that impresses me the most is Rick Mottram. Not only is Rick one of the best players we have on our team, but he’s one of the smartest. He works tirelessly on and off the field to be the best he can be in both aspects. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My early educational years were definitely a struggle for me. I grew up with ADHD as well as a learning disability, if it weren’t for my parents helping me along the way and pushing to get me the extra help I needed, I wouldn’t be at Bucknell. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being elected team captain was a dream of mine and to have it happen meant the world to me. 

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Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The most memorable play of my career was the first play of my career, I was put on the d-line for goal line situations. So my first snap of college football was on the defensive side of the ball. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would definitely play baseball. Baseball was the first sport I ever fell in love with and would love to play again. 

What was your major/minor? Other than football, what would be your dream job?
My major is education and my minor is religious studies. My dream job is to be a college football coach but outside of football entirely, I’d want to work as a special education teacher. 

What have you been working on in the off-season?
The two biggest things that I’ve been working on this off-season are my core strength and my technique. I believe that enhancing these two aspects even more will raise my game to another level. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a huge Yankee and Jets fan ever since I was little. The athlete that I like to model my game after is Nick Mangold. He was the center for the Jets for about 10 years. Not only was he a very physical player but he was also a very smart player. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?
I love to play golf. My grandparents taught me how to play when I was little, and I love playing a round whenever I can. 

Why do you play football?
I’ve been playing football since I was 5 years old. The brotherhood, the bonds I’ve made and the physical nature of the sport has made me fall in love with the sport year in and year out. And when I go out on the field I look to make my family proud with how I play. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
The biggest motivator for me is my jersey number, 74. It was my dad’s number when he was playing football, and I always go out and try to make him and my family proud. So when I look at my number I think of my family and want to make them proud. 

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