Clifford Clark
Linebacker – Senior
West Liberty

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Clifford Clark:  6’3, 235, 4.65 forty. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft? 

 

Clifford Clark:  I have connections in Texas and Maryland. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?

 

Clifford Clark:  I didn’t know about the recruitment process and how to get exposure.  I talked to my cousin and I wanted to go to his school.  I talked to some D-I schools.  After the season was over, no big schools showed interest.  D-III and D-II schools were interested.  West Liberty and Alderson Broaddus.  I didn’t have a lot of exposure.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose West Liberty? 

 

Clifford Clark:  West Liberty covered most of my cost.  It was closer to home.  I loved the coaching staff.  I had an opportunity to play early. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Clifford Clark:  Number one is knowledge of the game.  I anticipate a lot of plays.  It comes from watching film and picking up on the tendencies.  I read the eyes of the back and the OL.  70 or 80% of the time, I know where the ball is going in the run game.  I can cover from sideline to sideline.  I have the speed. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Clifford Clark:  I can be better coming out of my breaks in pass coverage and covering the slot receiver better.  I need to play with better pad level at times and need to be lower.  I was way better this season than in the past.  I need to hone in on being more explosive. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Were you invited to any all-star games?

 

Clifford Clark:  I was invited to the College Gridiron Showcase.  I was also invited to the FCS Bowl, but I couldn’t go because of a personal issue.  My aunt was in a hospital.  Family comes first.  I had to visit her.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career to us.

 

Clifford Clark:  I expected to play as a freshman, but they redshirted me.  I didn’t play the second year.  During my third year, I started.  I watching the rest of the guys and always watched film with my coach.  Knowledge is huge.  I was pretty good.  I had 86 tackles my first year.  I sat out the last two games because I injured my knee.  I had a grade 2 MCL injury.  I didn’t have surgery.  I was second team all-conference.  I had more confidence the next year.  I had a good year as a junior with 107 tackles.  I led the conference in tackles.  I was first team all-conference, second team all-region and honorable mention All-American by Don Hansen.  Senior year, I had more sense of urgency.  I was going harder.  I was studying film more in the offseason.  I added more muscle.  I got stronger in the weight room.  I had 119 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 13 TFL’s.  I was first team all-conference and second team all-conference. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest accomplishment that you are most proud of?

 

Clifford Clark:  My progression to this year.  I was trending up for three straight years.  I hit the peak of where I could be.  I hit it here at West Liberty.  I am glad that I can walk away not have any regrets. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Clifford Clark:  I was number one in the nation for solo tackles for three straight games this year.  I was on a roll.  I had 18 tackles against Shepherd, 16 tackles against Notre Dame and had 13 tackles and 3 TFL’s in out homecoming game. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?     

Clifford Clark:  Football knowledge.  The pre-snap stuff.  They taught me how to break down film.  How I should to set a front and when should I change the call. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Clifford Clark:  I live in Ohio.  I root for the Browns. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Clifford Clark:  Luke Kuechly.  It is not even close.  I try to emulate him.  I like how he reads plays and how he reacts.  His numbers are crazy.  He is a tackling machine.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a LB?

 

Clifford Clark:  It is important to have instincts.  You have to have that sixth sense where the ball is going.  You need to have the extra step on a guy.  Read plays before they happen. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on next season?

 

Clifford Clark:  CB Joshua Ojo has a lot of speed.  He led the conference in interceptions.  He was top 5 in INT’s in the nation.  He will be a senior next year. Nasty DL Cody Rine led the team in TFL’s.  He is a tackle and is an animal.  LB Clay McDonald played next to me.  He is moving to my spot.  He is going to be me next year.  He showed a lot of promise this year.  He plays downhill. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team? 

 

Clifford Clark:  RB McLaughlin from Notre Dame College.  I never got to hit him.  He blew the water out of the conference as a freshman.  He is fast.  I have never seen that speed before.  He can burn you if he got to the sideline. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Clifford Clark:  I love the whole process.  The grind and the blood, sweat and tears.  It is a brotherhood.  You are going to war with you guys.  It is one of a kind game.  I play LB and I love smacking people. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Clifford Clark:  My dad.  He got me into football.  I was going through some rough times in football early.  I started only my junior and senior years in high school.  I wanted to quit my freshman year of high school.  He talked me out of it.   If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I will be playing now. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Clifford Clark:  I play a lot of Madden.  I hang out with my girlfriend and my fraternity brothers. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?

 

Clifford Clark:  I am pursuing a nursing degree.  I want to be a nurse.  I also want to start a non-profit and give back to the kids in the community.  I want to help out younger kids.  There is nowhere to go and train in our neighborhood. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you? 

 

Clifford Clark:  Determined, efficient, committed, loyal and confident. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

Clifford Clark:  Go with Bama.  I can’t go against Saban.  He is the goat in CFB. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

Clifford Clark:  The Saints.  They have the experience at QB.  They are clicking at the right time.