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2008 Stories

10 guys worth rooting for in NFL training camps

foxsports.com / July 30, 2009 / By Peter Schrager
Connor Barwin went from All-Big East tight end as a junior to all-conference defensive end as a senior.
(Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
#2 Connor Barwin, Houston Texans, defensive end: A rookie out of Cincinnati, Barwin is expected to make an immediate impact on the Houston defense in '09. His road to the NFL is certainly a unique one.

Barwin was born deaf in both ears because of a debilitating tumor in his left ear. When he was 18 months old, the tumor was discovered during a routine trip to the doctor. Over the next 11 years, Barwin endured seven surgeries on the ear, before he was finally tumor-free. Barwin still has 30-40 percent hearing loss in his left ear. He's truly a survivor. He's also one of the more versatile players you'll ever see.

Barwin was an All-Big East tight end as a junior in 2007 then an All-Big East defensive end after switching positions in 2008. Yes, after three outstanding years at tight end in a major BCS Conference, Barwin was asked to switch from offense to defense and play an entirely new position during his senior year.

The Bearcats went on to win their first Big East conference title in '08, and Barwin led the way, terrorizing quarterbacks and notching a Big-East leading 11 sacks. He also blocked three kicks.

Barwin will primarily play defensive end in Houston, but he could end up seeing time at linebacker, tight end and on special teams. Looking for an inspiration this summer? The 46th overall pick may just be your guy.