Former Northwood football star Brendan Harrington is back at App State for his last ride.
Harrington, a redshirt senior inside linebacker, began his sixth year at App State in the Mountaineers’ 38-10 win over East Tennessee State Saturday. Coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2023 and being named to the East-West Shrine Bowl watchlist prior to the season, Harrington provided an immediate impact on App State’s defense, recording six tackles (tied for the team’s second most in the game) and assisting on a tackle for loss.
Prior to the first game of the season, Harrington was named a team captain for the second time in his career.
“I like to tell people that’s the best accolade you can get,” Harrington said on Aug. 27 while on the “Mountaineer Talk” radio show hosted by Adam Witten. “Being able to say that your peers respect you that much means a lot.”
Harrington was first named a team captain last season, and he tallied 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack in just two games before injury. A year prior, Harrington’s season also ended due to injury in the wild 63-61 season-opening loss to UNC.
The injuries didn’t dampen Harrington’s impact too much, though. While sidelined, Harrington took on the role as a de facto student assistant and remained a vocal leader for the team.
“Just knowing that sometimes in the facility guys might look at me for motivation, or whatever it may be,” Harrington said. “I just try to show up every day and be there for my teammates.”
Harrington said the toughest part of missing last season was knowing how “special” the 2023 team was and not being able to contribute.
But, this season, he gets to contribute in a new way as he’s moving to the inside linebacker position instead of the outside linebacker spot he held throughout his career.
“It’s been a smooth transition,” Harrington said. “I’ve gotten back used to using my hands and being physical in the box again.”
Before dealing with injuries, Harrington turned heads at App State during his 2019 freshman season in which he played in 11 games. The next season, he had a breakout year as a starter with 48 tackles, four interceptions (including a pick-six against Texas State) and honorable mention All-Sun Belt honors.
After all the ups and downs of his college career, Harrington said “it means everything” to be back healthy and competing for the Mountaineers one more time.
“I’ve put in a lot of work to get back here,” Harrington said. “All of the coaches have supported me tremendously. The training staff has supported me tremendously. Obviously, the players, everyday they’re always like, ‘B how close are you?’ It’s just a lot of love and compassion from everybody around me.”
Harrington’s last season will continue at Clemson Saturday at 8 p.m.
