2021 Draft Prospect Interview: Christian Clark, DT, Alabama State
- Name: Christian Clark
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 365 lbs
- Position: DT
- College: Alabama State University
- Twitter: @TDC79
Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?
Alabama State University is a great institution where you have the opportunity to become a global leader. I am an interdisciplinary studies major and campus life is pretty good. It’s almost as if we all are a tight-knit family.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
The ability to be a leader in all situations that may come.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skillset?
I see myself being a leader for the team. I am truly a nose tackle with the ability to play all over the defensive line. I’ve focused this off-season to lose weight so I can be more versatile.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
We played Troy my redshirt freshman year and Deontae Crumitie was their starting center. He was one of the better players I have come into contact with.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Michael Jefferson never seems to disappoint when it comes to impressing not only me but the nation. He is a humble young man on the team and with all he’s been through it’s very amazing to see.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
When I was going into my redshirt sophomore year I had the unfortunate passing of my father. It was a very trying time, however with the supporting cast around me I was able to get through it.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
That’s easy, I would play basketball. I actually played basketball before I touched a football field. I’m not the typical post-up big man. I’m trying to push the ball up the court like Kyrie Irving.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of being able to receive a full scholarship from Alabama State University. My biggest achievement is beating the odds that were stacked against me coming from the inner-city of Cleveland. A lot of people where I’m from don’t make it because of gang violence, drugs, or the lack of motivation.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The most memorable play of my career is the time we played our in-state rival Tuskegee. The year before they beat us 6-14 and it left a bitter taste in our mouths, and we were determined not to let that happen again. We were in overtime, and they had a chance to kick a field goal to go up 3 points. The coaches had sat me out the play before to rest up because we knew either they would have to go for it on 4th and long or they would have to get a huge gain to get into field goal range because we put them in a 3rd and 15 plus situation. They got a huge gain and were in field goal territory. The crowd was stunned as well as the sideline. They called a time out to send out their field goal team, so we did the same. The crowd is roaring with fans praying we make a huge play or they miss the field goal. We called a middle block and I seemed to time it perfectly. I penetrated the line and as the ball was kicked I was able to get my hands on it. The rest is history, as we went on to score the next possession of the game.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I would have to say my brother Frank Clark is my favorite player. The way he goes about the game and the confidence he plays with is something I try to implement into my game. The way he sets his opponent up all game lurking and preying for the right moment is something I’ve implemented into my game, especially this off-season. He tells me it’s all about FOCUS and tapping into yourself. So the mental aspect of his game is something I model my game after.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artists have to be Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, and Drake. My Coach LB and my teammate J’lan Carson are the two guys who get me excited and pumped to play each and every game besides the self-motivation I have in me already. Coach LB has come in and changed the culture of the program. He has a program that not only correlates in football but in life. The 4th quarter teaches you to never give up and when you are tired you have to mentally take yourself to a place where you find that extra gear to tap into. J’lan Carson is the other defensive lineman that came in with me. He is one of the few guys that I look to in all situations and that feeling is vice versa. We hold each other accountable and every day to a high standard.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Butter Snap Pretzels
Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
Chris Tucker And All The Rush Hour’s
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy playing Fortnite and Madden in my spare time. I really love playing basketball, that’s my first love.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me to be the best in all aspects of life. Also knowing kids from my community look up to me for inspiration especially the Ginn Academy and Glenville Community.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.