Interview: Blytheville 2018 OL Larry Clark Working to be Best in Arkansas

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When talking about Blytheville High School’s football team one of the first things out of everyone’s mouth is about their stellar run game. Class of 2017 running back Demekko Clark blistered 5A Arkansas competition for over 2,000 yards in 2016 thanks to the outstanding line play of the Chickasaws. The top anchor on that line was Class of 2018 right tackle Larry Clark.

On the gridiron, Clark is strictly business, and business is good. The 6-4.5, 295 pound, standout is the kind of lineman running backs want to run behind and the kind of player coaches love on their roster. Clark is nasty in the trenches using his power, quickness, and leverage to firmly plant opposing linemen and linebackers play after play. His aggressive play has already caught the eye of college coaches with teams like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee showing interest while Kansas and Central Arkansas have quickly dropped an offer.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Clark going over his junior season, off-season goals, and caught up on his recruitment so far.

Interview

Larry, when did you start playing varsity football?

“My first experience was during my freshman year. When I started out I did not get in as a freshman. I was called up so I was able to get a feel for the game. My coach told me that when I go to varsity I would be a big part of their offense.”

The Chickasaws were a run-heavy team in 2016 with Demekko Clark getting over 2,000 rushing yards. What was that like for you helping pave holes for such a strong rushing attack?

“Oh man, it was amazing. I don’t want to take all of the credit. The rest of the O-line worked hard just like I did. The O-line showed up for every game. We were on the sidelines in between every series figuring it out to pave the way.”

What are the strengths of your run blocking game?

“The strengths of my run block game, I am fast off the ball. I’m not scared of contact. I’m not scared to run over a linebacker. I deliver blows so they know that I am coming. Once I get on with a defender, we are going to be together for a good 10 to 15 yards. My footwork is pretty good. I try to spend a lot of time working on that. Blocking does not mean anything without technique. I try to mix that with my physicality.”

Did you count how many pancake blocks you had last season?

“Last year I want to say I had 67 if I am not mistaken.”

What are the strengths of your pass blocking?

“With my pass block, I am still working on my kick step. My punch is on point. I know how to get in front of the defender. No one beats me on the inside gap. I have not given up a sack yet and hopefully I can keep that through my senior year.”

Which defensive lineman or linebacker has been the toughest for you to go up against so far in your varsity career?

“There was one defensive end from Batesville (Blake Franks). He put up a good fight against me during my sophomore and junior year. He was good. I think he had 17 sacks last season. None of them were on my side of the line. This year he had the upper hand. I played that game with a sprained ankle. It was pretty bad but I had to play because it was such an important game.”

How did playing against him make you better?

“He made me tougher. He made me fight through the pain. When the going gets tough you have to keep going because there is a lot on the line. The pain will eventually stop but the loss will be there forever.”

Have you received any honors during your sophomore or junior seasons?

“Yes, sir. At the end of my sophomore year I was first team All-Conference and this year I was first team All-State and All-Conference.”

What are you focused on in the off-season to improve before your senior season?

“I want to improve upon all things. I want to get faster and I want to become a better all-around athlete.”

Do you remember your weight room maxes?

“Yes, sir. My power clean is 275, dead lift 540, and my squat is 435.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Mississippi State, Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, and Iowa State.”

Which schools have extended an offer to you?

“Kansas and Central Arkansas.”

Did you take any visits in 2016?

“Yes, sir. I went to Arkansas. We were about an hour and half away from Fayetteville for our playoff game against Alma.”

How did your unofficial visit to Arkansas go?

“It was good. It was a good all-around visit. It was great to see the players and see a Hog game.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I’m going to visit Mississippi State for a Junior Day this weekend and I plan on visiting Kansas on my spring break for their Junior Day.”

Mississippi State is a big program. What has you excited for that visit?

“I’m very excited to go there. It is an all-around good school. I love how it seems like a quiet serene place to go to school. Most colleges tell me it is fun down here and there is always fun stuff to do. That quickly drives me away. I love the peace and quiet. I’m about business. I am looking forward to that with my visit.”

Do you know which camps you may attend coming up?

“I have not decided yet. I have been to two already. I went to a Nike Combine in Chicago before my sophomore year and I went over the U.S. Army football camp in San Antonio in January. I have not decided yet which camps I may attend.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.0. I made the honor roll last semester.”

Nice. What is your favorite subject in school?

“Economics and history.”

Are you playing any other sports?

“Track. I was playing basketball but quit to focus on football.”

Which events are you participating in with track?

“The shotput. I still do not know how to throw the discus. I went to state last year in the shot and was second in our conference (5A East).”

Did the Super Bowl inspire you in any way, and if so how?

“Oh man – it inspired me a lot. No words to explain. I would love to do that. I would love to be there one day with my mom, family, and my long time girlfriend in the stands. I day dream about that. The Super Bowl inspires me to keep working hard.”

Larry, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming track season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; No. 69 Larry Clark pre-snap.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 69 Larry Clark blocks downfield.

Photo credit: Clark family; Larry Clark at Arkansas (2016).