High School and College Career

Clark Barrington from University High School was a 2-star recruit and ultimately decided to join Brigham Young University (BYU) after graduating from high school.

As a freshman in 2019, Barrington played in eight games for the Cougars. Throughout these games, he played for a total of 351 snaps and was primarily positioned at left guard, with occasional playing time at right guard as well. Impressively, Barrington allowed only two QB hurries and two QB hits, and he did not concede any sacks.

The following year, as a sophomore in 2020, Barrington played in ten games for 565 snaps. He only allowed a single QB hit and six QB hurries for the entire season at left guard.

In 2021, as a junior, Barrington’s role on the team grew as he played in 13 games and totaled 876 snaps. Barrington once again played at left guard and gave up ten QB hurries, but he only let up a single sack.

Throughout twelve games as a senior in 2022, Barrington played an impressive total of 801 snaps at left guard oand only allowed one QB hit, seven QB hurries, and one sack.

Clark Barrington Scouting Report Introduction

Clark Barrington, a seasoned player in collegiate football, has been an integral part of the Cougars’ offensive line for the past few years. His proficiency in the inside zone and gap concepts implemented by the Cougars has provided great insight into his skills, which are attuned to the run game. Barrington brings an effective blend of vertical and horizontal push, creating opportunities for his team to exploit the creases and openings in the front. As a pass protector, his towering build and ample physique afford him good influence, with defenders struggling to collapse him when going directly into his set. Additionally, Barrington’s mobility and range allow him to pick off linebackers and maintain running creases, setting the stage for his supporting backs to make significant gains.

However, despite his notable physical style, there are areas where Barrington may need improvement. A lack of high-level functional athleticism, especially in close quarters, can become a handicap for him. Dynamic interior defenders with quick footwork can challenge Barrington’s ability to slide his feet and set quickly on the field. In cases where he compensates for his lack of quickness, overextending himself can occur, resulting in a loss of balance and even causing him to get top-heavy and lean into contact. Such instances further compounded his athletic ability and prevented his recovery.

Moreover, the level of competition posed by the Cougars’ opponents is another matter of concern. The team has not faced a significant level of quality interior defensive linemen in the past few seasons, raising questions about how well Barrington and his team will fare against stronger opponents. However, optimism remains as the Cougars’ schedule has steepened this year, with games against Oregon, Baylor, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and Stanford all on the horizon. As competition against higher-level opponents commences, time will tell how well Barrington will adapt and rise to the challenge.

Strengths

Clark Barrington has a strong grip on opponents, which allows him to overpower them easily. This grip is achieved through proper hand placement, which Barrington has evidently mastered.

In terms of movement, Barrington is a smooth and agile player who covers a lot of ground. This is particularly useful because he can easily mirror his opponents’ rush, staying one step ahead at all times. His footwork and constant motion make it difficult for defenders to predict his next move, providing Barrington with a significant advantage over them.

As a pass protector, Barrington’s technique is impeccable. He maintains a wide base and strong balance, allowing him to stay upright and minimize the impact of opposing players. His quick kick slide and lateral movement are particularly impressive, as they allow him to adapt to the shifting demands of the game and protect his quarterback effectively.

When it comes to run plays, Barrington’s strengths are equally impressive. He has a quick first step and consistently exhibits excellent hand placement. He understands angles and is adept at moving to the game’s second level, where he can deliver powerful blocks that move his team forward.

Weaknesses

In terms of run blocking, Barrington seems to struggle when he is required to move a great deal, such as in open spaces. However, he seems to excel in confined spaces.

When it comes to pass protection, Barrington’s weaknesses are notably exposed. He has a tendency to reach and lunge at his opponents, which can leave him vulnerable to quick, agile defenders. While he does exhibit solid athleticism, his lack of comfort in setting up for pass protection can be a potential weakness. Furthermore, Barrington appears to be overly reliant on his initial punch to stand up pass rushers. This habit can result in him not utilizing his feet, which can make him an easier target for opposing defenses.

Clark Barrington is the 181st prospect on our draft big board.