Name: Anthony Barr

Position: OLB

School: UCLA

Background:

  • Started the last two seasons at linebacker after playing running back and pistol F-back his first two seasons at UCLA.
  • Ranked second in the country with four fumbles recovered, fifth with five forced fumbles, nine with 20 tackles for loss and 18th with 10 sacks.
  • Finished as a two-time All-Pac 12 first team linebacker, 2013 All-America first team by seven publications and a 2013 finalist for the Butkus, Lombardi and Bednarik awards.
  • Ranked 50th overall prospect by Rivals.com out of Los Angeles Loyola High in 2010.
  • His father, Tony Brooks, played fullback at Notre Dame and was a fourth-round selection by the Eagles in 1992.

On if he thought he'd be a top-10 pick after making the transition to defense

"No, a couple of years ago I could never envision myself standing here talking in front of you guys. It's been a pretty incredible journey. A lot of work, a lot of dedication has gone into that. I really think my coaches at UCLA and my teammates helped me along the way, and I'm just very happy to be here."

On if he had a good idea where he'll go during the draft

"I wasn't too sure. I knew when I was here on my visit a couple of weeks ago there was some level of comfort. I felt like I had a pretty good trip, and my meetings went well. I felt that if I were to become a Viking it would be a great fit for me, but at the end of the day I still wasn't too sure exactly where I was going to go."

On what skillset he thinks will fit in well with head coach Mike Zimmer's defense

"Well, I just think that I'm a tough football player, very competitive. I think anywhere they end up placing me on the field I will be able to make an impact for the team."