Q: How did you wind up down at LSU being a Detroit kid?
Joseph Barksdale: It was a pretty long and extensive process as far as choosing which college to go to. But it ultimately depended on, the SEC a pretty strong conference, and I wanted to go to a school that was successful in the SEC. I wanted to win. And LSU seemed to fit those criterias. As well as being able to graduate and putting an emphasis on education.
Q: You went there as a defensive tackle? Do you take some of that mentality to the offensive side?
Joseph Barksdale: Oh definitely, I have been playing that position for four years prior. Switching to offensive line, so a lot of those certain mind sets and things like that I still keep with me.
Q: How did you end up switching to offensive line once you got to LSU?
Joseph Barksdale: Well, when I first got there. The defensive tackle position was pretty deep with Glen Dorsey, Marlon Favorite, Ricky Jean-Francois and those guys. I went to Coach Miles earlier and told him I want to help make an impact on the team. And he told me that he knew I would a pretty good defensive tackle, but he said I can also be a pretty good offensive tackle as well. And suggested me moving to offensive tackle since we were pretty dead at the time. So, it was pretty much to help the team out.
Q: Do you have a preference or greater comfort on the left side or the right side?
Joseph Barksdale: Not at all, I am just trying to come in and be as productive as I can be on whatever side they put me on.
Q: What about guard or tackle? Can you play both?
Joseph Barksdale: Yeah, I can play any position. Anything to help the team.
Q: How long do you feel it took you to really make that transition from defensive tackle to offensive tackle?
Jonathan Barksdale: Probably a good two or three weeks.
Q: Hey, Joseph, what do you know about the Raiders – the team, the history, the tradition of it all?
Joseph Barksdale: My dad actually told me a lot about the Raiders when I first started playing football about how you guys have an overall winning tradition but a hard-hitting defense and a fast-paced offense. I know a lot about the offensive line tradition as well. I know it has a pretty good track record when it comes to developing the offensive line.
Q: When did you first find out that you were going to be a Raider? Did you have an idea before they called you?
Joseph Barksdale: Not really, man. I was just, you know, sitting around, probably like everyone else, just waiting around for the phone call and being optimistic.
Q: Where were you? Were you with friends or family?
Joseph Barksdale: Family in Detroit, Michigan.
Q: So what was the scene like there when you got the call?
Joseph Barksdale: Ecstatic, man. My father is actually still ringing with our relatives and friends. So, it was all pretty exciting.
Q: You went kind of late in the third round. Were you expecting to go today or were you thinking you might have to end up waiting until tomorrow before you got selected?
Joseph Barksdale: To be honest with you, I had no idea. I just talked to my agent, talked to my coach, my family, and they just told me to "keep your phone on. You don't know when you'll be called, but when you are called, you'll be ready".
Q: Raiders got a starting left tackle in the third round last year – what do you think about your chances of coming in and starting?
Joseph Barksdale: That's something I'm going to have to discuss with the coaches but all I know is for sure is that I'm going to come in and work and let the chips fall where they may.
