West Virginia University has been a good fit for Don Barclay.

For that matter, so has left tackle.

The 2007 Seneca Valley graduate and redshirt senior has been a fixture at that position over the last three seasons for the Mountaineers. Barclay's last start for No. 23 WVU will come in style tonight when it faces No. 15 Clemson in the Orange Bowl in Miami.

Barclay (6-foot-4, 310 pounds) hopes to end the 2011 season with a win, but it has already been a memorable campaign.

Aside from helping the Mountaineers (9-3) to the Big East title, Barclay earned First Team All-Conference honors and was recently named to Phil Steele's Fourth Team All-America squad.

“It means a lot to be recognized like that,” said Barclay. “It means even more that we're winning games. It took a lot of work to get here, but I couldn't have done it without my teammates.”

Barclay took over as the starting left tackle in 2009 and will make his 40th collegiate start in the Orange Bowl.

He had surgery on his left shoulder last January.

“I had it done after the season ended and I missed spring practice,” Barclay said. “But I had been part of (three) spring practices before and taking the time off helped me build strength in my legs. I was ready to go by summer and felt really good this year.”

Under first-year head coach Dana Holgorsen, the Mountaineers have thrown the ball much more in 2011 than in the three previous seasons under Bill Stewart.

“We throw the ball about 40 times per game now,” Barclay said. “Before, we did some zone blocking, but now that's all we do.”

Protecting quarterback Geno Smith's blindside, Barclay helped WVU's signal caller complete 65 percent of his passes this year for 3,978 yards with 25 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

“He's played at a whole different level this year,” Barclay said of Smith, a junior. “He's done a great job.”

Barclay, who recently graduated with a degree in business management, will be taking great memories with him when he leaves Morgantown.

“Beating Pitt the last three years is definitely up there, especially this year when we needed to beat them to keep our hopes alive of playing in a BCS game,” he said. “We've been through some tough times, three different head coaches, but we still found a way to win.

“I've had three offensive line coaches since I've been here — Greg Frey, Dave Johnson and now Bill Bedenbaugh. They all had trust in me and I just want to say ‘thank you' to all of them.”

Barclay is hoping his playing days won't end with tonight's bowl game.

His consistent play has caught the attention of NFL scouts and he hopes to take part in either the East-West Shrine Game (Jan. 21) or the Senior Bowl (Jan. 28).

“I'm waiting to see if I get invited, I should find out soon,” said Barclay. “I'll be training after the season and definitely hope to get a shot at the NFL.”