The 2020 NFL Draft is loaded with big-name prospects from powerhouse programs, but teams are always looking for those under-the-radar players in the later rounds who can still make a big impact in the pros.

One such player in this year’s cornerback class? San Diego State’s Luq Barcoo, who recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about making the transition from JUCO, the adversity he’s had to overcome throughout his life, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.

JM: You arrived at San Diego State by way of JUCO, Grossmont to be specific. You spent the first year at San Diego State playing in more of a reserve role. What was that first year playing D-I like?

LB: That first year was definitely a bit of a transition year for me. I had to adapt and get used to the system. We didn’t have much of a system at Grossmont, to be honest with you. I definitely went through a bit of a learning phase. I had to get comfortable with the system. I definitely played a lot of football throughout my first year at San Diego State though. I wasn’t a starter at cornerback that first year, but they definitely subbed me into the game quite a bit. I got a lot of playing time. That’s what got me comfortable with the defense. I needed the live reps. My coaches understood that.

JM: What was the biggest culture shock or difference for you between JUCO and D-I?

LB: I would say that it was the structure. We didn’t have as much structure at Grossmont. I had to make the transition to a very structured environment. The coaching staff held you accountable for everything that you did and I appreciated that. It’s just different than JUCO. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person in certain situations. Even if you weren’t the one who initiated something, take responsibility for something that you did. Having that sort of structure was definitely the biggest change for me.

JM: You had nine interceptions and 16 pass break-ups in 2019. You lead the nation in both categories. What is it about your game that allows you to be around the ball so often?

LB: I feel like my mentality is just different. I’m always itching to make a big play. I’m always looking to make an impact on the field. To make the highlights, you have to be around the ball. The game revolves around the ball. Wherever the ball is, I’m gonna do my best to be around it and make a play on it.

I feel like the best part of my game is my ability to create turnovers. Nine interceptions was a great result for me in 2019. Being around the ball and making plays on it is definitely the focal point of my game.

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the cornerback position?

LB: I come from a tough background. I overcame a lot of obstacles and faced a lot of adversity throughout my childhood. I just like the edginess that comes with playing cornerback. Not everybody can play cornerback. I love that job. I love playing with a chip on my shoulder. It’s a tough job and I welcome the challenge. I love the competition aspect of it.

I’m confident in my ability to compete at a very high level. There’s a certain edge you have to have to play cornerback. It just brings that competitiveness out of me. It’s a hard position to play. It takes a special type of person to play the cornerback position. I love to compete against a wide receiver. You have to step up to the plate and welcome the challenge.

JM: What can you tell me about your background and the obstacles you’ve had to overcome?

LB: Life was rough growing up. I definitely overcame a lot and faced some adversity as a child. My relationship with my mother, my spiritualism, and my faith in God is what got me through a lot of things that I was exposed to early on in life. I grew up in a single-parent household. My mother had six children, including me. Life was tough. I was exposed to a lot of things that the average kid isn’t exposed to. I had to grow up fast. I matured faster than most kids.

Every obstacle I faced helped me develop quicker. It allowed my mentality to grow. I had to establish myself as a young adult. I had to mature. I don’t look at the things I’ve gone through as a crutch for me to lean on. I was always very optimistic. It wasn’t going to be my downfall. I can look back and smile. It’s the reason I am who I am today. I look forward to what the future holds. I’m ready to work hard.

JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in prior to the spread of COVID-19?

LB: I didn’t get to make any of them, unfortunately. I had a few of them scheduled. They all got canceled. They were supposed to happen right when the virus really started to take off. I’ve definitely had a lot of conference calls and FaceTime sessions since then. I’ve been receiving a lot of interest.

JM: Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime and what not?

LB: I’ve spoken with a ton of teams. I’ve virtually met with at least 20 teams. As for which teams I feel like are really showing a lot of interest, teams that I’ve had a ton of calls with, I’d mention the 49ers, Ravens, Eagles, Chiefs and Colts. I’ve met with so many teams. I’m so excited for the future.

JM: What are three traits that a successful cornerback must possess?

LB: I believe that mentality comes first and foremost. You have to have a short-term memory in order to play this position at a high level. You’re gonna get beat sometimes. It’s a passing league nowadays. Offenses are designed to look for the big play. When you get beat on a play, you have to have the mental capacity to come back on the next rep and compete once again. Once that play is over, you have to let it go. Playing cornerback puts a lot of mental stress on you. It’s a big part of the game and you have to be able to handle that.

Secondly, it takes a certain skill-set to play this position. Your body has to be able to move a certain way. You have to have good play speed, your change of direction needs to be effortless and so on. You have to break a certain way at the top of the route. Your body has to be able to handle all of that.

Lastly, you have to be a competitor. Playing cornerback comes with a lot of competitiveness and drive. It’s a tough position. You could be having an excellent game and then with the game on the line, maybe they’re targeting you in the end zone. You could have played well the entire game and still cost your team the game on the last play. You have to be locked in for all 60 minutes. It takes a high focus level to compete at this position.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Luq Barcoo?

LB: I believe I have what it takes to become a successful cornerback in the NFL. I feel like I check off every box. My mentality and focus can’t be topped, and my ball production and ability to create turnovers makes me a unique play-maker. The skill-set and production are there. I have the physical ability as well. I have the mental capability to sustain myself at the next level.

I’m ready for the adversity, I’m ready for the challenge. I don’t think many people have been through what I’ve been through. My ability to overcome adversity will get me through anything. Once I get on a team, I’ll have the mental capability to handle any and every challenge that comes my way. My experience has proven that. I’m mentally and physically ready to showcase what I have to offer.