Karsen Barnhart Draft Networking Interview: 'I’ll Make A Big Impact' (Interviews)
Interviews

Karsen Barnhart Draft Networking Interview: 'I’ll Make A Big Impact'

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart is among the most versatile and experienced prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Barnhart started 31 career games for the Wolverines. Barnhart is experienced at both tackle and guard positions.

Barnhart recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about winning a National Championship, his outstanding showing at the NFL Combine, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.

JM: What will forever be your main takeaway from the 2023 National Championship winning season?

Karsen Barnhart: My main takeaway will forever be how talented of a team we had. We got the job done. Whenever I see that championship ring, I’ll fondly remember my teammates. That’s the main takeaway. We sacrificed so much.

JM: That’s beautiful. You tested extremely well at the NFL Combine. You had a 29.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-3 broad. Your 10-yard split of 1.75 was outstanding. I’m curious, have you noticed an uptick in attention you’re receiving from NFL scouts and teams since then?

Karsen Barnhart: Yeah, I’ve had a bunch of interviews with NFL teams throughout the process. I’ve done a bunch of interviews after the NFL Combine. I have many more coming up on my schedule as well.

JM: Who are some of those teams you’ve met with?

Karsen Barnhart: I met with the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens in person before Pro Day. The Ravens took me to dinner. I also met with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants at Pro Day. I plan on attending the Detroit Lions’ local day, too. I also did Zoom meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Lions.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You were the ultimate team player throughout your time at Michigan, playing multiple positions as necessary.  You started a bunch of games at both tackle and guard positions. Which position do NFL teams primarily see you playing at the next level?

Karsen Barnhart: I primarily see myself playing guard or center. I think I’ll be an interior lineman. I don’t have any in-game experience at center but I recently started snapping the ball. I’m getting the hang of it. I actually feel very comfortable with it. 

JM: Do you see yourself playing in a zone-based system at the next level or in more of a gap/power scheme?

Karsen Barnhart: I can see myself playing in both. I feel like I move really well in those zone schemes. We also ran a lot of gap and power stuff at Michigan. I think I can fit in any system pretty well.

JM: Sticking with that Michigan offense, what was your favorite play to run in the playbook?

Karsen Barnhart: Probably one of our gap scheme plays. I loved when the guard pulled around the center, and the tight end as well. It was fun to be the pulling guard. If you were on the front side with that, working that 3-tech back to the back-side linebacker, that was a good time. It was a violent downhill assault. That’s what we executed every single time we ran that play.

JM: I’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Karsen Barnhart going to make at the next level?

Karsen Barnhart: I think I’ll make a big impact as somebody that cares and wants to make the locker room better. I’m going to be a team-first player. I’m going to do what’s best for the team. That’s something that was instilled in me at Michigan. I’ll do whatever is asked of me, whatever my coach needs.

I’m just happy for this opportunity. I’m very excited for what comes next.



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