2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Marcus Barnes, DB, William and Mary

Get to know Marcus Barnes, a talented football player with a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence.

Name: Marcus Barnes
Position: DB
College: William and Mary
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 195 lbs
X (Twitter): @marcus_barnes3
Instagram: @7k.beez

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My dad was in the league and he just introduced the game to me at an early age along with many other sports, I excelled in most but football was just that sport I would go to sleep thinking about. I felt like it chose me to be honest.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments would have to be the relationships I have built over the years, it has opened me to a new way of life and opportunity. Winning championships with your best friends hits different.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Going forward I’m looking to make an impact and take my hard work and talents as far as I am blessed. The NFL has been my goal since I knew what it was. Once I’m there it’s all gas, my goal will be 1% everyday.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Sean Taylor, our play style is similar, when you put in the film, I’m flying around like I run a 4.1 making plays and crushing everyone. He seemed like he was all ball and family, a similar trait I would share, I wouldn’t just want to pick his brain a-little.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My father my biggest inspiration for sure, we been through the best and worst, he always keeps my focus on the main thing. I’ve never seen him crack, I think that just push me different.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love playing a one high free safety man zone underneath. It allows me to play free and see the whole field. I’m big on reading pass concepts and formation keys, so when my responsibilities is either manning up the slot or playing that post, I feel the most free.

What should we know about Marcus Barnes the person?

I’m simple, I love to play ball, fish and chill with my family. One thing I bring everyday is the same me with a smile and ready to get better.

What stands out about your film the most?

When looking at my film the thing that stands out the most is my size and range. I am really big for a defensive back and can cover like a corner, hit like a linebacker and my range is top percentage of the leagues best. All in all it would be my versatility.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I keep pushing, nothing moves without force and that’s kind of how I’ve always been. Problems can either break you or make you, I’d rather spend my time figuring it out than wondering why something is happening to me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a hard worker who takes the sport of football as a job and life instead of a hobby. I bring energy every day, locker room guy who loves to compete and push my teammates. I have a unique skill set that could be trouble for opponents. They would get the same Barnes everyday.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the opportunity the game gave me, I love how it makes me feel, I sleep it, wake up and watch it, research it, everything always has been about football. I can’t tell you why I love it but I can tell you that I couldn’t love anything else as much as it.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Most underrated player I played with definitely is Tye Freeland, I loved looking over and seeing him lifting folks off there feet, it had me wired.