One to Watch Interview with 2020 North Little Rock CB Slayten Clark
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
With North Little Rock High School coming off a 13-0 season in 2017, ranked No. 7 nationally by MaxPreps, the Charging Wildcats had the proverbial bull’s eye on their back entering into the 2018 campaign with every team giving them their best shot. Showing that they are not just a premier Arkansas team, the squad played a regional schedule to start the year with road games against Washington (OK) and Evangel Christian Academy (LA) and hosted Whitehaven (TN) winning all three before taking on 7A Central competition. The team rolled through the regular season to the state title game taking on Bryant falling just short of back-to-back state title trophies. One of the emerging talents off the 2018 squad that can help the Wildcats make yet another state title run in 2019 is Class of 2020 cornerback Slayten Clark.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with the starting corner to find out how his junior season played out on the field.
Interview
Slayten, North Little Rock’s football team was once again one of the best teams in the state of Arkansas running through the 2018 season. What was it like for you taking the best shot from each team week to week?
“It was amazing. We have the best coaching staff. It was fun and exciting. I learned a lot on and off the field this season.”
Where all did you line up on the field in 2018 and what was your role within the defensive scheme?
“I was mostly at corner, we played a lot of man-to-man defense. I was one of the guys to hold the opposition’s fastest guys.”
With all the tests you took from opposing 7A teams, how did your game grow as a cover defender?
“It grew a lot. I learned more about the position and I got better at it. I learned how to keep my eyes in the right place and everything grew from there.”
Which other areas of your game improved?
“My overall strength, my hips improved, and I learned to stay focused on the receiver. I feel I got better at everything.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“You will see me at corner and slot receiver.”
With your offseason workouts, what will you focus on with your game this spring?
“I am focusing on my speed, strength, and footwork.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with Arkansas Elite.”
How are you hoping playing with Arkansas Elite will help your game?
“I hope that it will give me more exposure playing other top teams from other states. Playing against top competition will help. I will get to see different type of athletes, speed and strength guys. It will be a great challenge. I will see what I need to work on even more before my senior year.”
Do you play other sports for North Little Rock?
“Yes, sir. I compete in baseball and track.”
Which events in track?
“The 4×4, 4×1, 100, 400, and 200.”
Wow. That’s a lot of events. Which is your best event?
“I’d say the 200.”
Speed and endurance. With all the track events, how has that translated into a 40-yard dash time for you?
“My best time in the 40-yard dash is a 4.5.”
Fantastic. Slayten, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Nick Wenger (@nickwenger5); Slayten Clark
Who? Some of your choices here are real head-scratchers, Ryan. We do have some D-1 talent in AR tho.
Dennis, I do appreciate you reading, even if you don’t know always agree. He has work to do, but he has some tools that could help him be a collegiate player! The offseason grind is where he will earn that scholarship. Thanks – Ryan
The proof will be in the offers, thank you Ryan for a great interview!