UDFA Spotlight: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Luq Barcoo

The Jaguars made a lot of movement along their roster over draft weekend, drafting 12 prospects during the 2020 NFL Draft and agreeing to terms with 18 immediately following the event as undrafted free agents.

Typically, undrafted free agents are thought of as fringe-roster players, not really expected to make the initial 53-man roster, and surely not thought to have much of an impact during the season. Over the past several seasons, however, the Jaguars routinely kept around one-two undrafted players on their initial 53-man roster.

This includes safety Andrew Wingard and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris from just last season. Both players remain on the roster today.

Among the 18 signed over the past few days, the Jaguars may have hit gold with at least one of their signings. The player we are spotlighting today is San Diego State University alum, cornerback Luq Barcoo.

Barcoo, a little known player from SDSU made waves over the last season by hauling in an college-football high nine interceptions, following this up with a remarkable 16 passes defensed. A true ball hawk, Barcoo made his name known through the ranks especially for his sensational showing against Colorado State where the 6-foot-1, 180 pound defensive back hauled in three interceptions.

The Jaguars made a concerted effort to sign him following the draft, offering him a record-breaking contract guaranteeing him $160,000 and $20,000 due at signing, according to Aaron Wilson.

The first thing that pops on on tape for Barcoo is his length, at 6-foot-1 he truly looks his size, able to match up against taller wide receivers on the outside and doesn’t appear to lack the ability to stretch out for passes thrown his way. This allows the rangy defender to play a bit of press along with off-man coverage, showcasing some versatility in his game.

Barcoo has played on both sides of the football throughout his collegiate career, initially beginning at the junior college level for Grossmont College for two years, playing wide receiver along with defensive back. Barcoo would spend the final two seasons at SDSU playing only defense.

In his first season with Aztecs, Barcoo had a modest showing, hauling in only a single interception, playing in 11 games off of the bench.

Without being able to compete in the NFL scouting combine (no invite), nor his pro day due to the ongoing pandemic, causing multiple cities to have stay-at-home orders thus cancelling the majority of pro days following a certain date, Barcoo wasn’t drafted.

However, Barcoo put on his own pro day measuring in with 32 inch arms (which the Jaguars covet), a 41-inch vertical, and a 4.41 40-yard dash. Considering his background, it’s no surprise he showed off his athleticism. His burst is also evident on film, able to break on a ball with ease.

Barcoo is still a bit raw, considering he has only played the position full time for a couple of seasons, and played at a smaller school in San Diego. However, his athleticism and ball skills truly jump out as evidenced by the clips provided and his aforementioned nine interceptions.

It is clear as day how skillful of a player Barcoo is. He is absolutely not without his lumps, sometimes surrendering a pass he should otherwise not, however all of the raw talent is there. As one of the best cornerbacks in the country this past season, Barcoo was a semi finalist for the Jim Thorpe award — given to the best defensive back in the country.

The Jaguars may have found a diamond in the rough on a player who, with an actual pre-draft experience would have easily been drafted. With the cornerback depth chart certainly in flux, do not be surprised if Barcoo is one of the one to two players to make the team’s initial 53-man roster.

Check out some of his highlights by clicking here.