Interview: Arkansas 2018 OT Larry Clark Updates Mississippi State Junior Day Experience

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

More and more Power Five Conference schools have started reaching into the Natural State looking for top talent to fill their college football rosters. One of the Class of 2018 recruits already drawing big interest and offers from outside of the state of Arkansas is Blytheville High School right tackle Larry Clark.

Clark already has the physical frame of a collegiate lineman and the mean streak that ignites with the snap of the ball needed for the next level racking up 67 pancake blocks in 11 games played during the 2016 season. The 6-4.5, 295 pound, talent has pulled in offers from Kansas, Central Arkansas, and Louisiana-Monroe with teams like Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Arkansas showing interest. Another SEC team, Mississippi State, has their eye on Clark inviting him to their Junior Day on Saturday, Feb. 11, for a closer look at one of the rising stars in the state of Arkansas.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Clark after he returned from Starkville to find out how his unofficial visit with Mississippi State turned out.

Interview

When did you get to Starkville?

“I left Saturday at around 7:00 a.m. It takes about 3.5 hours to get there. We got there early but killed some time arriving at the complex at 11:45.”

Who went with you?

“Coach Smith and Coach Fisher. Coach Smith is our offensive coordinator and Coach Fisher is our head coach.”

What did you do when you started the visit?

“First they gave us a chance to look at the stadium. It was amazing. Then we did a tour of the university. They met up with us at the Scoreboard Balcony. After that we did a campus tour, a dorm tour, and talked about academics – a lot. We toured the weight room, locker room, and training room. They talked to us about how serious they are about player safety.

“One thing I did like, their trainer said most colleges have a couple of trainers that focuses on all sports. He said they have five trainers that focus solely on football. They are always researching ways to keep us on the field and healthy.”

How did the visit go on an overall evaluation?

“The visit was amazing. The only thing – the jersey that they gave me was a little too tight. It took 15 minutes to squeeze into it (laughs). Seriously, I did like how they stressed the academics. They are about business down there. All around it was good visit. I loved it.”

Which coaches did you meet with?

“I talked to Coach John Hevesy (offensive line coach). He is a real good guy. He said I need more meat on my bones and that I was too skinny. He thanked me repeatedly for my visit. Rod Gibson (recruiting specialist), I met him. He is the one that will keep in regular contact. They are about family there. They welcomed us with big arms. All of the coaches were amazing.”

Did they talk about which position they see you playing if you were to play for MSU?

“They did not tell me that. He did not say you would play this position or that position.”

Did you sit in on any position meetings?

“Yes, sir. They showed us film. They run inside zone, outside zone, and power plays. We went over some plays that they run. Coach Hevesy said he goes by the 1-2 jab punch. He was coaching us like we were there already. He was talking to us like we go to Mississippi State. He taught us some of their calls. I liked it.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with their offense?

“Yes, most definitely. It would not be a big transformation. Blytheville runs the same stuff. I did not see much of a difference between the two. I would not struggle learning their offense.”

Do plan on visiting Mississippi State again this spring or summer?

“I do plan on visiting again. I want to go to a camp there. They have an O-line camp on June 11th and 18th. I want to go to either one and see what it is liked to be coached by them. I want to see a spring practice too.”

When is your next scheduled visit?

“I’m going to Kansas this spring.”

Larry, thanks for your time today and congratulations on a successful trip to Mississippi State.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Clark family; Larry Clark at Mississippi State (Feb. 2017).