Sept. 13, 2007
Senior Devin Clark is the returning starter at right tackle who has quietly established himself as one of the top blockers in the Mountain West Conference. Big, strong and physical up front, coaches say Clark has shown good pro potential in his first 14 Division I games.
Clark made a remarkably quick impact after joining the team last year, just weeks before the 2006 season began. He worked hard to get himself in position to contribute last fall, staying late after every practice to work on his technique and putting in extra time in the film room. The extra effort paid off as he quickly developed into one of the team’s premier players on the offensive line.
Clark is involved nationally in Olympic-style weightlifting competitions, placing fourth in the super heavyweight division at the National Junior Weightlifting Championships in March of ’06. Not surprisingly he won the team’s Beefmaster award this past spring for players 275 pounds or heavier and led all offensive linemen in every weight lifting category.
This year Clark has gotten out of the gates quickly, helping to lead a strong early season performance by the Lobo offensive line. He has posted 23.5 knockdowns, no sacks allowed and no penalties in 2 starts at right tackle.
D.J. Renteria: Growing up in athletics did you have a role model?
Devin Clark: Charles Barkley because of the fact that he did not take a lot of stuff from anyone! I loved his level of competition. He was a beast!
DR: What is the best thing about being a senior?
DC: It’s my last year and I am looking forward to it. Seniors always have a lot of seniority over a lot of people also, which is kind of cool. It’s the last go around so you have to leave it all on the field.
DR: Looking at the schedule, what game do you see as the biggest of the year?
DC: TCU is probably the biggest game for me because we should have beaten them last year and they are always good, so it will be a challenge.
DR: You’re from Mesa, Ariz. – what is one thing you miss the most about home?
DC: I miss the food the most. I am a big Jack In The Box fan and there are not any in New Mexico.
DR: In one word how would the ladies on campus describe you?
DC: Most of them would say teddy bear I think.
DR: Who on the offensive line is the most fashionable?
DC: It’s not me for sure. I would have to say Sylvester Hatten. He is usually pretty fly.
DR: If you could be any person for one day who would it be?
DC: Michael Jordan. I would love to be that rich!