Tackling fuel – Lamin Barrow gets his man
It happens every game. Just as linebacker Lamin Barrow is about to tackle his opponents, he sees their eyes grow wide.
He sees the opponents’ fear.
A good tackle, or “lick,” as the footballers call it, is the pride of this LSU linebacking core. For the Tigers, a stingy defense is essential with SEC competition heating up this month. Barrow has acknowledged there is some work to be done, but he has no problem leading the charge.
Last season, this Marrero, La. native had a stellar year with more than 100 tackles, second only to Kevin Minter, who is now playing alongside former Tiger Tyrann Mathieu with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.
With a recent jersey number change from #57 to #18—QB Matt Mauck’s old number and the usual jersey given to a respected leader on the team—Barrow wants to be a force not only on defense, but for the entire squad.
Tell me how you’re feeling this season.
I’m feeling more than I have in years past just because it’s my last year. I feel like we’re pretty much the underdogs this year. For me, I know I have something to prove.
Are you feeling added pressure since this is your senior year?
I put the pressure on myself to be that guy that’s out in the forefront. I’ve been around in the program for years. Naturally, I’m moving to that leadership position. Guys like myself, Craig Loston, Zach Mettenberger and Alfred Blue, we take it upon ourselves to step into that forefront and take the pressure from the team. We know anything that goes wrong or right during the season is on our shoulders. The team looks up to me.
What does being a team leader mean for you?
I just always carry the approach of leading by example. I’m a vocal guy. I try to do everything the right way and give the young guys something to look forward to. This is how things are supposed to be done.
So what makes a good tackle?
The big collision. Sometimes, you read a play and diagnose it, and it happens the way you want it to happen. There were a couple plays last year where I slipped through the line and got into the backfield. That makes my day. It doesn’t have to be too hard. And I love tackles for a loss to make the offense back up a little bit.
You have to diagnose the play, but be intense and physical, right?
It comes natural. I’ve been playing the position for years, so I already have that kill instinct. So whatever play is drawn up, I’m coming with my best force and the most amount of power I have to inflict some type of pain. Having that knowledge, it all falls together.
Have you ever seen someone’s fear in his eyes before you tackle him?
Yeah. Sad to say, it was on a late play the first time I saw it. I got flagged—hit the quarterback from North Carolina. I hit him a half a step out of bounds, but I could see his eyes blow up before I gave him a good lick. It happens every game. I like the collision, and I pride myself on not closing my eyes when I tackle. When I see that guy flinch up, I know I got him.
