Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers OT Barksdale putting in extra work to catch up

Published Jun. 30, 2015 5:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

Joe Barksdale knows he has some catching up to do.

The lineman joined his new team in San Diego much later than April's crop of free agents did. So, Barkdale gave up this down time -- a "summer vacation" for other NFLers -- to catch up on what he hasn't yet learned.

“I’ve been trying to learn the plays and concepts and meeting the guys and coaches,” Barksdale told the team's official website. “That’s pretty much what I’ve been doing 24/7 since I’ve been here. It’s pretty much been all football.”

San Diego expects their newest lineman to become a starting one. So Barksdale's mindset meshes perfectly with offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris' non-nonsense vibes. The LSU product said he's had to crack jokes to keep their frequent meetings light.

Humor won't win D'Alessandris over. Barksdale hopes hours-long study sessions at Chargers Park will do the trick, but that's only half his battle.

This summer, he'll be asked to translate teachings to technique. It'll be tough for a player like Barksdale; he's played a traditional right tackle in Oakland and St. Louis, whereas his new offense calls for a zone-heavy approach.

Barksdale will essentially re-learn the position in training camp. He's ready to put the work in.

“(We’re) determined,” he said. “From what I’ve been hearing, and it’s been preached from the coaches and players on down, last year wasn’t good enough."

(h/t San Diego Chargers)