Barrington, Freeland named to Lombardi Award midseason watch list

HOUSTON, Texas — BYU offensive linemen Clark Barrington and Blake Freeland have been named to the midseason watch list for the 2022 Rotary Lombardi Award.

The Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman, who in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi.   

Barrington, a three-year starter on the BYU offensive line, was named 2022 preseason All-America by five organizations, including Phil Steele, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Lindy's Sports and Action Network.

The 6-6, 302-pound junior left guard started all 13 games for the Cougars in 2021 and has started all seven games in 2022. In 2021, he was named to the Pro Football Network All-America Third Team, 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 and has started all seven games in 2022. The 6-8, 305-pound junior left tackle was named a 2022 preseason All-American by The Athletic. 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. At the conclusion of the 2021 season Freeland was named Phil Steele All-Independent First Team and PFN All-Independent First Team. 

To be considered for the Rotary Lombardi Award, a player must play for a FBS college football team and be eligible to participate in the current season. The candidate must be a down lineman either on offense or defense; or be a linebacker setting up no further than five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award will be announced on Nov. 10, with the four finalists for the award named on Nov. 23. The 2022 winner of the Rotary Lombardi Award will be announced on Dec. 7.