Duke offensive tackle Graham Barton is among the best linemen in the country. Barton is currently thriving at left tackle but appears legitimately capable of playing all five offensive line positions. Versatility and outstanding technique are Barton's calling card.
The No. 45 overall player in our latest TDN100 update, Barton spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about Duke's impressive 4-1 start while previewing this weekend's matchup versus NC State. Barton also discussed blocking for quarterback Riley Leonard, Duke's offense, positional flexibility, upcoming games with Florida State and Louisville, and more.
JM: That was a hard-fought loss to Notre Dame. I’m sure it was difficult for you to watch from the sidelines. What’s the atmosphere like around the program after a tough defeat?
Graham Barton: It was a tough loss as you said. We responded in the second half and the game came down to a few plays. To have the game end the way it did, it was a tough blow for everyone in the locker room. The goals and aspirations we have for this year haven't changed. We’re a tough, resilient group and we know we’re capable of bouncing back. We’ve been through plenty of adversity together. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll respond the right way. It was a tough loss, but we’re going to continue on the right path together.
JM: Are you set to return this weekend versus NC State?
Graham Barton: Yes, I am. I’m playing against NC State.
JM: That’s great news. Talk to me about the challenge of not overlooking NC State. It would be easy to look ahead to Florida State and Louisville, who are your following two matchups.
Graham Barton: I don’t think we could overlook NC State even if we wanted to (laughs). That’s not an opponent you can overlook no matter who else is on your schedule. They have a great team. They play hard, physical football. We’re excited. We have a great opportunity to bounce back this weekend. We’re not looking ahead to anything. We’re focused on winning at home against NC State this Saturday.
JM: Duke sits at 4-1 and has fielded one of college football’s most explosive offenses, You’ve been a big part of that. Talk to me about the offensive identity and approach you’re taking this season.
Graham Barton: I think we’re an aggressive group. We love to play a physical brand of football. We give a relentless amount of effort. We run the ball and establish the run. We have an extremely talented quarterback and a talented group of receivers. We use them to execute a well-balanced offense. We have terrific playmakers all over the field.
When you turn on the film, you see a high amount of effort from every position group. Whether it’s finishing runs, blocking down the field, or physicality, you see that on tape from us. I think you see the passion that our offense has for the game of football.
JM: How does playing in this offense help prepare you for the next level?
Graham Barton: Our coaching staff, our offensive staff has installed a terrific system. We have a specific game plan for every single week. We have answers and have different ways to respond to whatever defensive looks we’re getting.
We’re always put in great situations as an offense. That’s a testament to our coaching staff. It’s something that’s helped me, and our entire team. We play with favorable matchups. We’re able to execute at a high level thanks to our preparation. Our team as a whole benefits from that.
JM: What would you say is the biggest difference in your game from last season to this year?
Graham Barton: I just think I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I’ve spent a lot of time developing in the weight room. That was a big priority for me in the offseason. I worked extremely hard to improve in that area. I think I achieved that goal and I’m seeing those benefits carry over to the field on Saturdays.
That’s the biggest thing. I’m a little bit stronger at the point of attack. I’m also more comfortable in our system. It’s not my first year in this system. I understand the offense. I’ve matured as an offensive lineman. Hopefully, that’s a continuous process. I’d love to continue on this upward trajectory.
JM: You have terrific size for the position at approximately 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, which you just noted. How do you utilize size and power to your advantage on a snap-by-snap basis?
Graham Barton: I have a quick first step and I’m a good athlete. Those are my strengths and I have to use them to my advantage. First-step explosiveness and athletic ability are my niche. I have to play to my strengths obviously. That's how I use my size. I bring some force behind my blocks. I try to create distortion and open up lanes for our running backs. I anchor well and keep our quarterback well-protected in the passing game.
JM: We really appreciate your willingness to finish on film, especially in the run game. How did you develop that aggressive mentality as a finisher?
Graham Barton: It’s something I’ve always had. When you love football, when you have a genuine passion for competing, it just comes with the territory. I enjoy moving people from Point A to Point B. I take a lot of pride in doing my job. I have a lot of passion for playing this position. I try to do right by it. With that comes finishing and playing with terrific effort.
It’s also something that’s preached here at Duke. You can see that on film. Our offensive linemen finish—even our wide receivers finish their blocks. We preach effort at Duke. It’s something we identify ourselves by. We’ve all bought into that identity.
JM: What do you love about blocking in the run game? Linemen always prefer the run game to pass protection.
Graham Barton: Yeah, we absolutely do (laughs). You get to attack more in the run game. You’re not backing up. You’re playing forward and I love attacking my opponents. There’s more fun in it when you’re going at somebody as opposed to backing up and letting someone run at you (laughs). That’s just the base principle of it.
I enjoy the run game and the different schemes that are involved. It takes every single block to be right to execute it at a high level and pop a big run. It almost works like a puzzle. It’s fun, you know? Everybody has to be on the same page. It’s a challenge, but that’s what makes big plays and explosive runs so enjoyable for everyone.
JM: Do you see yourself playing at left tackle in the future?
Graham Barton: Yeah, I think I’m a left tackle that can play any position. Obviously, I’ve played some center here at Duke as well. I think versatility is one of my biggest assets. I certainly think I can play left tackle at the next level. I can also play guard and center, too. I see myself as a left tackle that can play anywhere.
JM: Riley Leonard has been explosive at quarterback for this season. What’s it like blocking for him?
Graham Barton: There aren’t many challenges when blocking for Riley Leonard (laughs). He’s a terrific athlete. He’s a great ball-carrier and he has a terrific arm. He’s the field general for our team. Having Riley out there is awesome. I can’t say enough good things about him. Being able to block for him, we take a lot of pride in protecting him. We certainly do our best.
He helps us by escaping the pocket. He makes us look better sometimes (laughs). He’s quick on his feet and makes quick decisions. He’s a great quarterback. We’re very fortunate to have him back there.
JM: No doubt. We’re excited to continue monitoring your progress. I’ve appreciated your time. In closing, what are Graham Barton’s goals for the remainder of the 2023 campaign?
Graham Barton: A big goal of ours is to end up in Charlotte at the ACC Championship Game. That’s my main goal and focus for the rest of this season. That starts Saturday night with NC State. We have a bunch of ACC opponents coming up on our schedule. We’re playing against a lot of great teams, and it starts with NC State. We’re excited to continue down this path.
We’ll see how far we can take this thing.
