He's the nation's best returning offensive lineman, bar none. After debating whether or not to leave early for the NFL, Barron chose to come back and will be one of the main keys to the Seminole season. A mammoth player with excellent feet and movement, Barron is growing into a tremendous pass blocker utilizing his long arms well. He gets out of his stance quickly and gets into good position as a pass protector. He slides very well and has the power to drive defenders off the ball. While he is not as mean and nasty as former Iowa Hawkeye Tackle Robert Gallery, he definitely gets the job done. There are very few tackles with his combination of size, strength and quickness. In 2003 he was All-ACC and CFN First Team All-American. Alex had to have shoulder surgery this past spring (2004) and missed some key practice time, but he didn't miss a beat, dominating his opponents consistently for the entire 2004 season. He is very experienced and well coached and should be a top fifteen pick in the first round the 2005 NFL draft.
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But in a few weeks, Barron will prove that he's not only been the BMOC at Florida State, he'll likely also be the first offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft, an honor befitting a two-time All-America performer who has the athletic ability of men half his size.
In fact, the former prep football and basketball star - he played for his father, Alex Barron, Sr. - is so light on his feet he considered walking onto the Florida State basketball team as a freshman before a torn ACL in the Seminoles' first preseason workout that year.
It was a tough way to begin his career at Florida State, but Barron was undaunted and finished his career there as one of the top linemen in school history. Need proof? Barron is one of just seven former Seminoles to have their lockers enclosed in glass for future players to see.
The others are nose guard Ron Simmons (1979-80), cornerback Deion Sanders (1987-88), middle linebacker Marvin Jones (1991-92), linebacker Derrick Brooks (1993-94), kicker Sebastian Janikowski (1998-99) and receiver Peter Warrick (1998-99).
You'll notice that despite the fact the Seminoles have produced such stars as Walter Jones and Tra Thomas, Barron is the first offensive lineman to receive that honor.
He's that good.
"There's pressure on anybody who's being talked about being at the top like that," said Barron of being considered the top lineman available in this year's draft. "It comes with the territory. I'm just trying to chill out and not let anything bother me."
Barron is currently living in his apartment in Tallahassee, lifting weights and staying in shape for whatever team is lucky enough to turn in the ticket with his name on it in New York April 23. As for school, the 22-year old already owns a degree in Urban Development Studies, having finished that up in the fall.
"School is no joke," said Barron, who figures to be selected in the draft's first 10 to 15 picks. "I really wanted to get that degree."
The fact he has already earned his degree shows Barron has the mental makeup to play in the NFL. But scouts love his athleticism. At Florida State's pro day, Barron had a vertical leap of 38 inches and covered the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds. He completed 21 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press, but part of the reason he did fewer than many other offensive linemen is the fact he has 38 1/2-inch arms. His total bench press of 395 pounds shows he's more than strong enough to handle the powerful linemen he'll face in the NFL.
"Alex has been one of our more consistent blockers in the years he has started for FSU," coach Bobby Bowden told the Associated Press about Barron. "He has been blessed with phenomenal athletic ability and puts it to good use."
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He also has the added experience of having played for a noted character like Bowden, the winningest coach in NCAA Division I-A history.
2008 Draft Review
