Bucs rookie shows football-oriented mindset with one simple but noteworthy response

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 first round pick definitely has his mind locked in on football as the Bucs' rookies began their rookie minicamp on Friday. 

Former Duke center Graham Barton, who the Buccaneers selected with the 26th overall pick last month, is expected to become a quick impact starter on the interior of the Bucs' offensive line.  He's quickly beginning his transition from the college level to the pros this weekend, along with his fellow rookies.  

However, there was still one aspect of college that he could have experienced: graduation.  The rookie lineman explained that the literal pinnacle of the collegiate experience is something that he wasn't all that interesting in participating in. 

"I'm done at Duke," Barton said on Saturday while meeting with the media. "Graduation is tomorrow.  I'm here.  Work started a little early for me.  Graduation is overrated (laughing).  First world problems, right? Graduation or rookie minicamp in the NFL.  I'll deal with it.  I think I'll be fine."

Barton's dismissive words and attitude in downplaying the experience of graduation aren't just noteworthy and amusing.  It's also indicative of the young man's mindset: that he knows he's entering a business and that big things are expected of him moving forward.  That he's aware of the importance of getting up to speed as quickly as possible and that every opportunity counts. 

That's the kind of mentality you want in a young player that you've invested a high draft pick and dollar value into.  And it appears the Buccaneers have that in their new starting center.