BYU offensive lineman Clark Barrington has seen the accolades pile up in recent days.
The redshirt sophomore was named to the Action Network All-American second team and the Pro Football Focus All-America third team last week — but the Cougars’ guard is still hoping to add to his collegiate trophy case.
Barrington on Monday confirmed that he will be returning to BYU next season.
“I kind of already have my mind made up,” he said. “I’m going to be here next year and to continue to build upon what I’ve done and hopefully there’s more in the future.”
The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Barrington was a stalwart this season, starting every game for the Cougars at left guard.
“It’s always good to feel noticed and that your hard work is paying off,” he said when asked about his All-American recognition. “So it’s been a good time, but I really haven’t been dwelling on it a whole lot. There’s more to do. I’m just looking forward to the future and the other things I’m going to be able to do here.”
The Cougars’ offense averaged 457.1 yards per game this season en route to a 10-2 record. As BYU prepares to take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham this weekend in the Independence Bowl, the pain of coming up just short of earning a New Year’s Six bowl bid has subsided, and Barrington said he is focused on the future and the potential for an 11-win season.
“Our focus has been in practice just like we did every other game,” he said. “Maybe it was a little disappointing at the beginning but we understand if we don’t show up we’ll get beat. We need to practice and play and do everything we’ve been doing all year just the same.”
He added, “That’s what motivates us all. We want to be great. That would just prove to everybody that we are great if we can get that 11-win season. That’s our goal.”
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