Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arkansas OL Mark Welch Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An offseason of hard work is showing on the field with Mark Welch. The Class of 2022 offensive lineman caught attention during his sophomore campaign with Camden Fairview playing right tackle parlaying that into an offer from the Kansas Jayhawks with even more Division I programs now paying attention. The 6-3, 300-pound, lineman is a versatile talent for the Cardinals also lining up at defensive tackle and nose guard in part-time duty. In stats posted through the first two games of the Cardinals (2-1) three-game season thus far, Welch already has four tackles, two solo, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.
As the play heats up on the field against Arkansas 5A competition, I sat down with the rising three-star recruit for an update on his growth in the trenches.
*Click link for July 19 RNG interview with Mark Welch
Interview
Mark, the Cardinals have hit the season ready to play. You guys had a tough one-point loss to Arkadelphia (21-20) and took care of El Dorado (45-20) and Hamburg (42-6). From the outside looking in, there appears to be some big momentum building.
Oh yes, sir, most definitely. In the Arkadelphia game we shot ourselves in the foot with penalties, but we’ve kept progressing. We are getting better as a team now.
The offense is getting the job done, especially on the ground. What is working on that side of the ball?
Our run game, it is the offensive line. We are doing our job and the receivers are doing a good job blocking on the perimeter. Overall, we are getting it done.
With three games under your belt, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game with your blocking?
My pass-pro is good, so is my base blocking, and finishing with pancakes. I am averaging 12 pancakes a game. On double-teams, my blocking is getting better.
Which areas of your game are you constantly working on in practice and in games?
On pass-pro, mainly my feet, keep moving side to side, inside or outside. With my base blocking, taking the right steps, inside zone blocking, my hands, getting my head across, and the little things that help me get better.
You are also getting snaps on defense. How is that part of your game coming along?
It is coming along great. As the year goes on, I am getting better and better. Working on both sides, I am getting in better shape.
How are teams trying to slow you down on that side of the ball?
When I do get in, they double-team me. When I am at nose guard, me and the center go at it. Most of the time I am getting a double-team. I am getting better at reading those.
Watson Chapel (1-0) is up next, what kind of game are they going to give you guys?
A good game, a tough game. They are big and they are physical. I feel like we will be able to get it done if we execute properly on both sides of the ball.
Time to talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Same schools as last time we talked. Some of the coaches I am talking to are from New Mexico, Hawaii, and Colorado State. I’ve been talking to them and building relationships with them.
On July 13, that first big-time offer came in with Kansas seeing all the skills you bring to the field. What was that moment like for you seeing your hard work payoff with a scholarship offer?
It was like… I didn’t know what to say. It was a blessing. I am grateful. The offer makes me want to work harder knowing my hard work is paying off. It makes me want to dominate on the field.
Have you had a chance to take any virtual visits over the last few weeks?
Not yet, but I have talked to Kansas about doing a virtual tour.
If visits were allowed next week, which schools would you like to visit?
If a coach reaches out wanting me to visit, I will go. I want to play at the next level and get a degree, I will go visit whichever schools I can.
Mark, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish for more success for you and the Cardinals the rest of the season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Welch family; Mark Welch