Clark Barrington Draft Networking Interview: 'I Play With A Ton Of Grit' (Interviews)
Interviews

Clark Barrington Draft Networking Interview: 'I Play With A Ton Of Grit'

Photo courtesy Baylor Athletics
author image

Baylor offensive lineman Clark Barrington displayed terrific versatility throughout the 2023 college football season and at this year’s Hula Bowl. Barrington started Baylor’s opening six games at center before moving to left guard for the final six contests. He displayed the same versatility at the Hula Bowl. NFL teams appreciate that positional value.

Barrington recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about transferring from BYU to Baylor, playing multiple positions, playing in zone-based and gap/power offenses, which NFL teams showed interest in his services at the Hula Bowl, and more.

JM: Now that you’ve had time to ponder, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from BYU to Baylor?

Clark Barrington: It came down to familiarity with the coaching staff. I had previously played for our offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and coach Eric Mateos at BYU. I felt like they had developed me into a pretty good player at BYU and I wanted to work with them again.

I entered the portal and they showed immediate interest in me at Baylor. I decided to reunite with them so that they could continue developing my game. They helped me become a better player.

JM: That’s a great point. You participated at this year’s Hula Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL decision-makers in attendance?

Clark Barrington: I feel like I played really well at the Hula Bowl. I played both left guard and center during practice and in the game itself. I displayed some versatility. Of course, I played left guard my entire career at BYU, and then I played center my first six games at Baylor, and left guard my final six games.

I showed that same versatility at Baylor. Being able to switch over mid-game or mid-practice during the Hula Bowl really answered any lingering questions teams may have. I feel good about playing all three interior positions. I wanted to show that versatility. 

JM: Where do NFL teams primarily see you playing at the next level? Has there been a consensus between guard and center?

Clark Barrington: It’s been a mix of both. A lot of teams are saying center. A lot of other teams are saying guard as well. Being able to play both positions has been a positive for me throughout this process.

JM: We love that versatility. Do you see yourself playing in a zone-based system at the next level or in more of a gap/power scheme?

Clark Barrington: I’ve played in both systems throughout my college career. I’ve played some gap stuff. We mixed in some wide zone and inside zone as well. I think speed and athleticism are at the forefront of my skill set. 

I can run off the ball. That plays well into that wide zone system. I like coming off the ball at full speed and stretching opposing defenses with width. I like displacing defenders in that system. I fit well into that zone scheme, but I also enjoy the gap system as well. 

You can get down and dirty with those combo blocks on linebackers. I feel like I’m a good fit for both systems.

JM: Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process, whether virtually or in person?

Clark Barrington: I met with a bunch of teams at the Hula Bowl. I believe I met with 11 teams at the Hula Bowl through head scouts, area scouts, assistant coaches, and things of that nature. We talked about football. They also got to know me better as a person. It’s been a fun process.

I feel like the Chiefs and Patriots were among the teams that showed good interest at the Hula Bowl.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Clark Barrington going to make at the next level?

Clark Barrington: I bring a lot of versatility to the table. I can play any position you put me at. My knowledge of the game speaks for itself. I’m a well-developed prospect that played six years of college football. I have great football IQ as a result. I understand different schemes at a high level. I’m able to execute my assignments. I play with a ton of grit within my personality. I finish every play with terrific effort.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network