The Extra Down: Brendan Harrington’s Journey Defined by Perseverance
11/5/2025 3:36:00 PM | Football
STATESBORO – Linebacker Brendan Harrington endured not one, but two season-ending injuries at the height of his college career. Instead of walking away, he fought his way back — and now returns to the field with the resilience and perspective shaped by that battle.
"Perseverance through the tough moments, those two injuries, and leaning on the people who truly cared about me made all the difference," Harrington said. "There are still so many people up there who have my back."
His journey began at Appalachian State in 2019 as a determined freshman stepping onto the field in Kidd Brewer Stadium, carving out a role on special teams units and as an outside linebacker. By the next fall – in the chaos of a COVID-altered season – he emerged as one of App's brightest young defenders, earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors.
In 2021, he climbed again, working his way into the starting lineup for seven of 13 games and solidifying himself as a core piece of the Mountaineers' defense. Then came the adversity that would test him physically and mentally.
In 2022, one snap into the season opener against North Carolina, everything changed – a season-ending shoulder injury. After months of rehab, the 2023 season arrived and so did a new title: team captain.
But two games in, against UNC again, another season-ending injury occurred. Again, he found purpose: voice echoing from the sidelines through practice fields and meeting rooms, embracing a role as a de facto student assistant while he rehabbed.
"I'm incredibly grateful for everyone up there – the community, the training staff and the strength staff," Harrington said. "They were a huge part of helping me get through the years. Sticking it out and finishing what I started – earning my degree and staying with the team even when I was hurt – brought me so much joy. It helped me come out stronger on the other side."
In his final season in Boone – once again being named the team captain – he played in all 11 games, starting the final six at inside linebacker and led the Mountaineers with 66 tackles while being named All-Sun Belt honorable mention.
Through the darkest moments of recovery when the doubt tugged at his belief, his family was the anchor that kept him grounded and pushed him back to the game he loved.
"I want to give a shoutout to my mom, my girlfriend and my uncle," Harrington said. "They were a huge source of encouragement during all my injuries. There were so many moments where I doubted myself and questioned whether I wanted to keep playing. They're the reason I kept pushing and why I'm still here today."
Harrington traces much of his perseverance to the late App State head coach Shawn Clark — someone who was more than a coach; he was family. Clark's influence stretched far beyond the field, shaping not only the linebacker Harrington became, but the man he is today.
"He always had my back," Harrington said. "He pushed me to attack my rehab and do everything I could, reminding me that if I stayed committed, I'd get my opportunity to play again. He was all about faith, family, and football, and anyone who spent time around him could feel that. I'm truly appreciative of his family – Miss Jonelle, (daughter) Giana and (son) Braxton."
Clark taught him many things, but the ones that stayed with him most were rooted in determination.
"Never backing down. Always keep swinging and put one foot in front of the other," Harrington said. "Those are the main pillars that I always took from Coach Clark, and I'll always live with them for the rest of my life."
Accountability. Disciplined. Unselfish. Hard working. That's the standard of the No. 0 – and to carry it this week, he says, is nothing but an honor.
"It means even more coming from Coach (Clay) Helton," Harrington said. "I appreciate him so much for everything he's done — and the same goes for everyone here. The coaches, players and support staff have all been tremendous in allowing me to be myself and lead in my own way. It's a real honor to wear the C every week, and I'll continue to play as hard as I can to represent our brotherhood."
When it comes to Georgia Southern vs. App State – the fight is never over. No one understands that standard of perseverance better than Harrington; he is living proof.
"No matter the record or the circumstances, this matchup is always gritty and it always comes down to a few plays," he said. "It's never easy going into another man's house and trying to win, but we embrace that. App State has a good team and a good coaching staff, and we know the challenge in front of us. We're looking forward to it."
Game Nine will be played at App State on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tune in on ESPN2 or the Georgia Southern Sports Network.
"Perseverance through the tough moments, those two injuries, and leaning on the people who truly cared about me made all the difference," Harrington said. "There are still so many people up there who have my back."
His journey began at Appalachian State in 2019 as a determined freshman stepping onto the field in Kidd Brewer Stadium, carving out a role on special teams units and as an outside linebacker. By the next fall – in the chaos of a COVID-altered season – he emerged as one of App's brightest young defenders, earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors.
In 2021, he climbed again, working his way into the starting lineup for seven of 13 games and solidifying himself as a core piece of the Mountaineers' defense. Then came the adversity that would test him physically and mentally.
In 2022, one snap into the season opener against North Carolina, everything changed – a season-ending shoulder injury. After months of rehab, the 2023 season arrived and so did a new title: team captain.
But two games in, against UNC again, another season-ending injury occurred. Again, he found purpose: voice echoing from the sidelines through practice fields and meeting rooms, embracing a role as a de facto student assistant while he rehabbed.
"I'm incredibly grateful for everyone up there – the community, the training staff and the strength staff," Harrington said. "They were a huge part of helping me get through the years. Sticking it out and finishing what I started – earning my degree and staying with the team even when I was hurt – brought me so much joy. It helped me come out stronger on the other side."
In his final season in Boone – once again being named the team captain – he played in all 11 games, starting the final six at inside linebacker and led the Mountaineers with 66 tackles while being named All-Sun Belt honorable mention.
Through the darkest moments of recovery when the doubt tugged at his belief, his family was the anchor that kept him grounded and pushed him back to the game he loved.
"I want to give a shoutout to my mom, my girlfriend and my uncle," Harrington said. "They were a huge source of encouragement during all my injuries. There were so many moments where I doubted myself and questioned whether I wanted to keep playing. They're the reason I kept pushing and why I'm still here today."
Harrington traces much of his perseverance to the late App State head coach Shawn Clark — someone who was more than a coach; he was family. Clark's influence stretched far beyond the field, shaping not only the linebacker Harrington became, but the man he is today.
"He always had my back," Harrington said. "He pushed me to attack my rehab and do everything I could, reminding me that if I stayed committed, I'd get my opportunity to play again. He was all about faith, family, and football, and anyone who spent time around him could feel that. I'm truly appreciative of his family – Miss Jonelle, (daughter) Giana and (son) Braxton."
Clark taught him many things, but the ones that stayed with him most were rooted in determination.
"Never backing down. Always keep swinging and put one foot in front of the other," Harrington said. "Those are the main pillars that I always took from Coach Clark, and I'll always live with them for the rest of my life."
Accountability. Disciplined. Unselfish. Hard working. That's the standard of the No. 0 – and to carry it this week, he says, is nothing but an honor.
"It means even more coming from Coach (Clay) Helton," Harrington said. "I appreciate him so much for everything he's done — and the same goes for everyone here. The coaches, players and support staff have all been tremendous in allowing me to be myself and lead in my own way. It's a real honor to wear the C every week, and I'll continue to play as hard as I can to represent our brotherhood."
When it comes to Georgia Southern vs. App State – the fight is never over. No one understands that standard of perseverance better than Harrington; he is living proof.
"No matter the record or the circumstances, this matchup is always gritty and it always comes down to a few plays," he said. "It's never easy going into another man's house and trying to win, but we embrace that. App State has a good team and a good coaching staff, and we know the challenge in front of us. We're looking forward to it."
Game Nine will be played at App State on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tune in on ESPN2 or the Georgia Southern Sports Network.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ FootballGeorgia Southern Football Media Availability (12/29/25)
Tuesday, December 30
Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State Highlights: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/29/25)
Monday, December 29
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
Georgia Southern Football Media Availability: JLab Birmingham Bowl (12/28/25)
Sunday, December 28
