Khalif Barnes brings perspective to young Raiders

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Training camp is over, two preseason games are in the books and the Raiders have their first practice at their improved, modernized facility in Alameda on Wednesday.

Seems like the perfect time to catch up with the venerable one, the jokester, Khalif Barnes. The offensive lineman is one of only six Raiders left who played for owner Al Davis, who died in 2011.

Here’s a quick Q&A with the tackle:

Q: It’s your 11th year in the league, seventh with the Raiders. Every year there is a positive feeling at training camp and then you guys haven’t done so hot. Why is this year different?

A: The reason this year is different is because of Derek (Carr). It’s been a long time since Oakland has had an established quarterback that everybody feels good about. He had a pretty good rookie year and has brought consistency.

His work ethic is off the charts; he knows that there are things he had to improve on from last year. He’s pretty good right now, but he is working hard to be elite.

Then you got Khalil Mack on the defensive side, with Justin Tuck leading those guys. So when you have that going on, plus we had a little momentum to end last season ... that’s the reason for the optimism.

Q: Everybody talks about your new center, Rodney Hudson, and how good he is, but what do you see in the guy next to him, second-year guard Gabe Jackson?

Entering his 11th NFL season, Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes takes a break during training camp earlier this month in Napa. Entering his 11th NFL season, Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes takes a break during training camp earlier this month in Napa. Photo: Eric Risberg, Associated Press Photo: Eric Risberg, Associated Press Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Khalif Barnes brings perspective to young Raiders 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

A: His ceiling is through the roof. He is getting stuff down pretty good already. If he learns some more things combined with the way he moves, he could be a perennial Pro Bowl guard. He has a Larry Allen build.

I mean, look at him. (Jackson walks by.) That’s what the bottom of a redwood tree looks like. (Jackson offers a curious look.) That’s a compliment, man.

Q: How is new offensive line coach Mike Tice treating you?

A: I had a little bit of him back in Jacksonville. There is a time to work and teach, but he also makes sure to have some fun. But if you do something wrong and get on his bad side, it’s not good. He will hurt your feelings. But then 30 minutes later, he will let you know that it’s all love and he is just trying to help you.

Q: You and (head coach) Jack Del Rio also go back to Jacksonville. How fast can he turn things around here?

A: People talk about building a winning culture and buying in, but it’s really about playing crisp football and not shooting yourself in the foot. As a former player, Jack knows that a winning culture starts with the guys in the locker room doing things the right way and developing a belief in each other. And that’s what we’re doing now.

Little things build into big things.

Q: How would you describe your role this year? Seems like more of a utility role off the bench than starting like you have been.

A: I am not sure yet. I just do what I am asked. A little left tackle right now, but I just know when I strap on the pads and go out there, I just do what they tell me to do the best that I can do it. Stay level.

Anything I can do to help this team, I am going to do it.

Q: It appears as if you are really enjoying your leadership role the last couple of years. That true?

A: Yeah, man. I have been here for a while. Me, Seabass (Sebastian Janikowski), Marcel (Reece) and (Jon) Condo are the last of Al Davis’ players. (Taiwan Jones and Chimdi Chekwa were also on the team in 2011 as rookies.) They have been here a little longer than I have, especially Seabass. … He’s a kicker, but that still counts.

To be a part of that is cool. Not a lot of guys can say that they are starting the 11th year of their NFL career. I am lucky and I am blessed. I am enjoying being one of leaders, especially since a lot of people that I played with aren’t playing anymore.

Q: How long are you going to play for? You’re 33 years old now.

A: Still got a few left in me, I think. I have always tried to turn my weaknesses into things that are better than my strengths at the time. As you get older, you have to rely more on your brain to make up for not being able to do physically what you once could.

Beauty fades. Smartness and dumbness don’t.

Vic Tafur is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: vtafur@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VicTafur