Steelers CB Luq Barcoo Expects Impressive Training Camp
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have two XFL players trying to make their 53-man roster this summer, and while the 6-foot-5 wide receiver is quickly becoming a fan favorite, a sleeper at cornerback might be the favorite to earn a job.
Luq Barcoo joined the Steelers this summer after recording 31 tackles, an interception and a sack for the San Antonio Brahmas. His road to the 53-man isn't easy, as he'll compete at training camp with James Pierre, Cory Trice, Madre Harper and Chris Wilcox. But after an impressive showing at OTAs and minicamp, the 24-year-old might have enough up his sleeve to get the job done.
Barcoo told All Steelers at the end of minicamp that he finished the week with a pick-six on Mitch Trubisky and a few pass breakups.
"I feel like I've got a lot more comfortable since I've been in here, just with the playbook and stuff like that," Barcoo said. "I feel like as we head into training camp, I'll be able to get more comfortable and make more plays. Put myself in better position to make plays."
The journey is only getting started. Pierre remains the favorite to be the final outside cornerback kept. The veteran has starting experience and plenty of time within the defense. Barcoos' other competition, Trice, is a seventh-round pick who stands 6-foot-3 and who's also made plays during minicamp.
But the race isn't going to rule Barcoo out without a fair run. He's got plenty to prove and a tall task ahead, but it's nothing more than what he's already done on the field.
"Just that I can compete at this level. Compete at a high level," Barcoo said. "I feel like I'm very talented on the field and I feel that I can compete at this level. Pretty much just showing that I deserve to be here."
This gets easier for Barcoo as the fans arrive in Latrobe. The XFL standout has never shied away from the pressure and doesn't plan to now. During his only starting season at San Diego State, after working his way through the JUCO ranks and onto a D1 roster, he led the NCAA in interceptions with nine.
"When you surround yourself in that type of atmosphere, it brings out the best in you," Barcoo told All Steelers. "That's when I feel like I play at my best, when the fans are out there, lights are on, and stuff like that. That definitely contributes to my success on the field."
If he puts on a few star performances with fans watching at Saint Vincent College, it's going to be tough for the Steelers to keep him off their final roster this fall.
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