Injuries thinned the outside linebacker position early in the year for the Chargers.
San Diego signed 
Barnes has flourished since joining the Chargers, recording nine special teams tackles and four sacks in just nine games.
Alex Lima; Lawndale, Calif.
Is it really important to lift heavy to play football at a high level?
Most definitely. You have to be strong going against offensive linemen that are 300 to 315 pounds. Lifting weights is a key part to playing football.
Joel Starn; Wasilla, Alaska
Describe the feeling you get after you sack the opposing quarterback. Do you worry that you will get a “roughing the passer” penalty or do you just try to drill the guy?
It’s a great feeling. If I see the quarterback with the ball, I try to get him (without being reckless).
Jerry Jamison; Chula Vista, Calif.
Growing up, who was the linebacker you most admired?
Ray Lewis.
Tela David; Fresno, Calif.
Which team’s defense was easiest for you to adapt to?
I would have to say here. The team and coaches took me in real good. Learning the system was the easiest thing.
Ray Jimenez; San Marcos, Calif.
What helps you be successful on the field? Is it faith in yourself or your own hard work?
I would say faith because you can work hard and people won’t see what you (can do). You have to have faith to keep going out and working hard every day. Somebody will see it one day.
Sam Mccranie; Panama City Beach, Fla.
Did you expect to make the kind of immediate impact you had on the Chargers defense?
I knew my skills and what I was capable of doing. All it took was the right system, team and coaches who believed in me. I believe I can make an impact on any team in the right system.
Tyler Wickord; Temecula, Calif.
What Chargers teammate has mentored you the most? Who would you call your favorite teammate(s)?
The whole linebacker corps will come by and give me tips here and there.
Eki Yandall; Salem, Ore.
Some NFL defenses have been labeled and known for their run-stopping and hard hitting. What label would you give yourself, and how would you describe the Chargers defense?
A fast and physical defense.
Federico Zanetti; Italy
What is the most important quality or technical ability for playing outside linebacker in NFL today? Are there areas you think to improve in order to play every game at an elite level?
Being smart and knowing the formation, keys, down and distance and what teams do on a particular down. When the ball is snapped, everything after that is physical.
Marco Platero; Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Do you see yourself as a starter in this league?
Most definitely. That’s something I want to work on once I find a home. Hopefully San Diego will be my home.
