Barrington and Freeland named to Outland Trophy watch list

DALLAS — The Football Writers Association of America today named BYU offensive linemen Clark Barrington and Blake Freeland to the preseason watch list for the 2022 Outland Trophy.

Since 1946, the Outland Trophy has been awarded annually to the best college football interior lineman by the FWAA. The prestigious trophy is named after John H. Outland, one of only a few players ever to be named an All-American at two positions.

Barrington, a two-year starter on the BYU offensive line, has been named 2022 preseason All-America by four organizations, including Phil Steele All-America First Team, The Sporting News All-America Second Team, Lindy's Sports All-America Second Team and Athlon Sports All-America Third Team.

The 6-6, 302-pound junior left guard started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2021 and was named to the Pro Football Network All-America Third Team. He was also selected to the 2021 PFN All-Independent First Team and was part of the PFN Offensive Line of the Year. 

Freeland also started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2021. The 6-8, 305-pound junior left tackle was named to the Phil Steele All-Independent First Team and PFN All-Independent First Team in 2021. He was an integral part of the PFN 2021 Offensive Line of the Year, helping the BYU offense produce 33 points per game, while averaging 452 yards of total offense. 

BYU boasts two previous winners of the prestigious Outland Trophy. Former BYU offensive lineman Mo Elewonibi won the award in 1989 and former defensive lineman Jason Buck earned the trophy in 1986. 

The annual winner of the Outland Trophy is chosen from three finalists who are first part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, eventually selects the Outland Trophy winner. Offensive linemen and interior linemen on defense are eligible for the award.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association, which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The recipient of the 2022 Outland Trophy will be announced on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards, Dec. 8. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on Jan. 11, 2023.

Founded in 1941, the FWAA consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team.