Colorado State linebacker Shaquil Barrett (56) runs away from UNLV tight end Taylor Barnhill (16) after intercepting a pass that he returned for a touchdown last season.
Most defensive players never have a chance to score a touchdown in a game.
For Shaquil Barrett, touchdowns have become a habit.
The 6-2, 250-pound junior has put three scores on the board in the past two seasons and is looking to make it more.
“My first touchdown was during my sophomore year against Utah State,” he recalled. “They ran to the right side and our linebacker made the play. I saw the ball on the ground and ran it in from 15-20 yards out. I thought he was down, but I didn’t hear a whistle. They reviewed the play and when I heard the announcer say, ‘the play on the field stands,’ I was happy then, and we won the game in overtime.”
The second score was that same season against UNLV. This time there wasn’t any question.
“It was an interception, and it looked like he almost threw the ball right at me,” Barrett said. “I did have to jump a little bit. It was an open field with a lot of guys set up to block. I ran 51 yards for the score, but we lost the game.”
The Running Rebels were again the victim when Barrett scored his third defensive career touchdown last season in a game won by Colorado State, 33-11.
“It was play action,” he said. “The tight end came under, but the ball must have slipped out of the quarterback’s hand. I jumped up, hit the ball with one hand and tipped it to myself. I almost didn’t make the 49 yards. I don’t know where that guy came from, but he was real fast and almost caught me.”
So, what about an encore for his senior season?
“Hopefully, I can score another one,” he said. “Other players are telling me that this is becoming a tradition and I need to keep it up. Maybe a strip and a sack and recovering the fumble for a touchdown would be good.”
Rams’ fans would be delighted if that happened.
