North Carolina State University Athletics
Program Spotlight: Andy Barbee
9/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Mark Kimmel, NC State Media Relations
It took longer than he would have liked, but graduate student Andy Barbee made his first start with the NC State Wolfpack football team against Murray State.
Although over time the opponent may get lost in his memory bank, certainly the result will be engrained in his mind forever. For those that weren’t at Carter Finley, the Pack’s much talked about offense exploded and its stout defense showed up again for a 65-7 dominating victory over an overmatched squad from Murray State.
Barbee ran out of the tunnel through the smoke and the fireworks knowing he was the starting left guard for the first time since his days as an all-state lineman at Crest High School.
The Shelby, N.C., product said a few days before the game that he was excited to get the chance to start. Maybe his red jersey top would be pushed out a little bit further than normal as pride took over, understanding he put in all that hard work the last five seasons for this moment.
“Knowing that during the first series I will be out there it will be a little bit different,” said Barbee. “Other than that it’s just a game we have to go out, execute and win. Once I get out there for the first series it will be like any other series. We have to focus on what me have to get done.”
That cerebral thought process is a necessity to be successful on the offensive line.
“We have to get our blocks right,” said Barbee. “We have to do them right or someone can slip by and make a tackle. You really have to be on the same page. One wrong step or one step in the wrong direction can ruin the whole play. There’s definitely a sense of togetherness and cohesion that you have to have to be successful.”
And though it was his first start at NC State he has been a part of this football team since 2005. It’s been a progression for Barbee after a redshirt was put on him during his true freshman year. The following season he played a reserve roll at center in 2006.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2007, the first season under Tom O’Brien, Barbee was once again a reserve center and saw action in three games. By his junior year he was the backup center and played in all 13 games, including a season high 29 snaps in the 41-10 thrashing at North Carolina last November.
This spring he moved to guard and as they say in show business, the rest is history. Well, he also put forth great effort into getting ready for the season and he has been rewarded for it.
“I worked hard every day during the off-season and the summer,” explained Barbee. “They’ve (Coaches) tried me out at different spots to see where I can help the team the best and I feel kind of lucky they have the confidence in me to try me out in different places. They believe that I can do the job wherever they may put me.”
His mantra to the coaching staff is he will help out, wherever I can, whenever I can.
Though he has been here in Raleigh the last five seasons, this journey began way back in the third grade when he first played organized football. Barbee is a lifelong lineman.
“I think this is my 15th year of playing football and I’ve always played offensive line,” said Barbee. “I really don’t know anything else on the football field.”
When asked what other position he might like to play, he answered quarterback in the preseason by saying, “who wouldn’t love to play quarterback.”
He did recall playing some defensive line through elementary school, saying “everyone loves to rush the quarterback and tackle running backs, but offensive line has pretty much been it for me.”
And that’s ok with him. He also understands the blue-collar work ethic that a lineman must assume to be successful. In most regards only the most die-hard fan could name their favorite team’s starting five offensive linemen.
“It’s alright with me that we don’t get all the recognition all the time,” explained Barbee. “The offensive line knows the hard work we put in and what we do means a lot to the rest of the offense and how it’s run. I don’t mind playing the under-the-radar role.”
What Barbee does enjoy is seeing his running backs dash past him for a 20-yard scamper. “It makes you feel good to know you just made that hole open up for the running back.”
Against Murray State, Barbee and his mates opened up enough slots for six rushing touchdowns and 191 yards on the ground.
In the classroom, Barbee has been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll three times and has received his undergraduate degree in business. He is currently enrolled in graduate studies working towards a sports management master’s degree
He is interested in finding an administration position for a sports organization once his playing days are over here with the Wolfpack.
But his final season is just underway and expect him to keep contributing to the Pack’s offense. Of course you’ll find him right where he belongs and where he feels most comfortable, on the offensive line.
It took longer than he would have liked, but graduate student Andy Barbee made his first start with the NC State Wolfpack football team against Murray State.
Although over time the opponent may get lost in his memory bank, certainly the result will be engrained in his mind forever. For those that weren’t at Carter Finley, the Pack’s much talked about offense exploded and its stout defense showed up again for a 65-7 dominating victory over an overmatched squad from Murray State.
Barbee ran out of the tunnel through the smoke and the fireworks knowing he was the starting left guard for the first time since his days as an all-state lineman at Crest High School.
The Shelby, N.C., product said a few days before the game that he was excited to get the chance to start. Maybe his red jersey top would be pushed out a little bit further than normal as pride took over, understanding he put in all that hard work the last five seasons for this moment.
“Knowing that during the first series I will be out there it will be a little bit different,” said Barbee. “Other than that it’s just a game we have to go out, execute and win. Once I get out there for the first series it will be like any other series. We have to focus on what me have to get done.”
That cerebral thought process is a necessity to be successful on the offensive line.
“We have to get our blocks right,” said Barbee. “We have to do them right or someone can slip by and make a tackle. You really have to be on the same page. One wrong step or one step in the wrong direction can ruin the whole play. There’s definitely a sense of togetherness and cohesion that you have to have to be successful.”
And though it was his first start at NC State he has been a part of this football team since 2005. It’s been a progression for Barbee after a redshirt was put on him during his true freshman year. The following season he played a reserve roll at center in 2006.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2007, the first season under Tom O’Brien, Barbee was once again a reserve center and saw action in three games. By his junior year he was the backup center and played in all 13 games, including a season high 29 snaps in the 41-10 thrashing at North Carolina last November.
This spring he moved to guard and as they say in show business, the rest is history. Well, he also put forth great effort into getting ready for the season and he has been rewarded for it.
“I worked hard every day during the off-season and the summer,” explained Barbee. “They’ve (Coaches) tried me out at different spots to see where I can help the team the best and I feel kind of lucky they have the confidence in me to try me out in different places. They believe that I can do the job wherever they may put me.”
His mantra to the coaching staff is he will help out, wherever I can, whenever I can.
Though he has been here in Raleigh the last five seasons, this journey began way back in the third grade when he first played organized football. Barbee is a lifelong lineman.
“I think this is my 15th year of playing football and I’ve always played offensive line,” said Barbee. “I really don’t know anything else on the football field.”
When asked what other position he might like to play, he answered quarterback in the preseason by saying, “who wouldn’t love to play quarterback.”
He did recall playing some defensive line through elementary school, saying “everyone loves to rush the quarterback and tackle running backs, but offensive line has pretty much been it for me.”
And that’s ok with him. He also understands the blue-collar work ethic that a lineman must assume to be successful. In most regards only the most die-hard fan could name their favorite team’s starting five offensive linemen.
“It’s alright with me that we don’t get all the recognition all the time,” explained Barbee. “The offensive line knows the hard work we put in and what we do means a lot to the rest of the offense and how it’s run. I don’t mind playing the under-the-radar role.”
What Barbee does enjoy is seeing his running backs dash past him for a 20-yard scamper. “It makes you feel good to know you just made that hole open up for the running back.”
Against Murray State, Barbee and his mates opened up enough slots for six rushing touchdowns and 191 yards on the ground.
In the classroom, Barbee has been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll three times and has received his undergraduate degree in business. He is currently enrolled in graduate studies working towards a sports management master’s degree
He is interested in finding an administration position for a sports organization once his playing days are over here with the Wolfpack.
But his final season is just underway and expect him to keep contributing to the Pack’s offense. Of course you’ll find him right where he belongs and where he feels most comfortable, on the offensive line.
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