This was a NFL prospect preparing for his future meeting with the coach who has meant so much in his career.
"Everything," Bars said of Hiestand's impact. "Harry's a phenomenal coach. Just his attention to detail, day in and day out, to make sure that we understood how to go about our lives on the field and off the field. The little things matter, and he made sure at all times that we're doing the little things."
The Notre Dame pipeline of NFL offensive linemen has another intriguing prospect in Bars, a starter for the Fighting Irish since late 2015. He hopes to be the latest to have success at the next level, following the likes of Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, Ronnie Stanley, Zack Martin and Nick Martin.
Bars believes that fraternity is the credit of Hiestand, the offensive line coach at Notre Dame from 2012-'17 before he was hired by the Bears last year.
"We all hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard, and we're going to make sure collectively as a group that we reach that standard," Bars said. "We're very supportive of one another. We're very helpful for one another. We want to see each other do well."
Bars started at right tackle for Notre Dame during the 2016 season, then shifted to right guard a year later, working alongside Nelson and McGlinchey. He then moved to left guard in 2018, filling the void left by Nelson.
While the dominance of Nelson and McGlinchey was clear at the 2018 NFL Combine, Bars is unable to participate and showcase himself to the fullest as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in his left knee in late September.
Bars is on track for a recovery by June, and he already has set the goal to participate in OTAs with whichever team drafts him. When Bars meets with teams, he doesn't have to say much regarding his knee.
"Look at it," Bars will tell teams. "Do whatever you want to it. The knee feels great. I'm very confident in the knee, and the doctor is very confident in my knee."
Bars could be a buy-low fit for the Bears, who don't own a pick until the third round, as long as the medicals confirm what he said. With all five starters returning on their offensive line, the Bears don't need immediate help up front, which would give them the luxury of giving Bars time to complete his rehabilitation and develop under Hiestand, who understands him well.
The idea certainly has Bars thinking of the Bears.
"That would be awesome," he said. "I love coach Hiestand. He's a phenomenal coach. To play for him would be an amazing opportunity."