Interview: College Camps Bringing Deserved Recruiting Attention to 2022 Texas DB/WR Zyon Clark
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is all on film, the rest of the football community just needs to see it. Zyon Clark was everything college coaches look for in a developing talent playing on both sides of the ball for Anahuac High School during the 2020 season. The 6-3, 180-pound, standout produced an estimated offensive stat line of 600 receiving yards off 26 receptions with six scores posted on the board. Playing safety or corner, depending on the Panthers’ matchup needs, Clark stopped some 60 plays with two forced fumbles and defended nine passes with two picks.
The college camp season is finally bringing the recruiting exposure deserved to the Class of 2022 Texas prospect. Two offers have been dropped and interest is on the rise.
After scouting Clark at a Pylon 7v7 Tournament, he made a stop by the RNG Clubhouse for a detailed conversation.
Interview
Zyon, if it is on defense with a big hit or a pick and on offense moving the chains, you showed the knack during the 2020 season for the big plays with the Panthers. Getting hyped on a Friday night, what pushes you to play at the top of your abilities?
My teammates and coaches, they motivate me well. I live for the moment.
At free safety, you were playing deep, coming down the alley, and getting up on the line in man to man. What scheme were the Panthers running in 2020 and what all were your responsibilities within it?
I moved around, I played safety and I played corner in some games for the matchup. It depended on the schools we played and the offenses we played. I may be in the box or on a receiver that is really good. I was that versatile player who could play anywhere and do anything.
What were the coverages you guys were executing?
We ran man well, press man, I like that, and a lot of Cover 3; we did that well.
Going on the other side of the ball, what were some of the routes you were running on offense?
Mainly running deep routes. The way our offense is setup, I am a 50-50 guy making contested catches. I was running goes, stop and goes, and post-corners. They had me running a lot of deep routes and some stops depending on if we needed a first down. On a third and four or five, I would run a stop route or run the stop and go.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a receiver?
I feel like what I did best, when we needed a play, I made a play. In positions when we were backed up, they’d throw a bomb and I would go get the ball.
What have you been doing this offseason to increase your speed and agility?
Running on a speed treadmill and working in the sandpit. I am working out at least five days a week. The biggest things I am working on is speed and explosiveness.
Have you laid down an official 40 this offseason?
My 40-yard dash is a 4.65.
From my research, I see you are a three-sport athlete also running track. Which events in track did you compete in this spring?
I run the relays, all the relays, the open quarter and 200, and I long jump
What is your best long jump distance?
22.5.
Wow. What is your best split time in the 100?
My split time is a 10.1 in the 100. I run the second leg.
Wow. That is world class.
I was rolling that day.
Most definitely. You had somewhere to go (he laughs). Going into your offseason workouts, with your technique, what are you working on as a defender?
I am mainly working on keeping my pad level low. I am trying to stay as low as possible, and working on getting in and out of breaks faster. Instead of getting the PBUs, I want to get the picks on those short routes this season.
What are you working on with the fundamentals on offense?
I am trying to increase my route speed so I can give my quarterback a bigger window to throw the ball. Getting that separation from defenders.
Of the positions that you play, which is your favorite?
My favorite position is safety.
Have you been to any college camps this offseason to showcase the skills?
Yes, I have been to the Texas Tech camp and I went to UTSA camp on Thursday.
The Texas Tech camp, how did that go?
We didn’t do one on ones, but I did well in the drills. My footwork was one of the best there. There weren’t a lot of people there. It was more of a workout than a camp.
And the UTSA camp?
It went really well. I got to do an unofficial visit afterwards, we took pictures in the uniform. I did really well in the one-on-ones. There were no catches on me in about eight reps.
Are there any upcoming camps on your schedule?
Yes, sir. I am attending UH (Houston) this Saturday, on July 31 I am going to Baylor, and my 7v7 team is going on a road trip going to some camps in the Midwest and Northeast. I am not sure all the schools we will visit on that road trip.
With all the camps and work you’ve done this offseason, which programs are now showing interest?
UTSA, Louisiana Tech, Abilene Christian, Sam Houston State, SFA (Stephen F. Austin), and ULM has reached out to me.
Which programs have seen the skills and dropped offers?
I have two, East Baptist and Howard Payne have offered me.
Congrats, Zyon. Thanks for your time today. Wishing you more success this summer with the upcoming camps and visits.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Clark family; Zyon Clark at UTSA