We now bring you the third in our series of exclusive 2016 NFL Draft prospect interviews. Our next player hoping to hear his name called on draft day is former University of California, Los Angeles defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
About Kenny Clark
Kenny was born in San Bernardino, California and attended Wilmer Amina Carter High School in Rialto, California. Kenny was a two sport star in high school as he was also on the wrestling team.
In his senior year of high school, Kenny was awarded the CIF Eastern Division Defensive Player of the year and racked up 71 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. On leaving High School, Kenny was rated by both scout.com and rivals.com as a four-star recruit. He was ranked as the No. 24 defensive tackle in the country.
Kenny had many offers from top college programs when he left high school. In 2012 he chose to attend UCLA.
As a freshman, Kenny appeared in all 13 of UCLA’s games, starting in four. His performance as a freshman and a great offseason cemented Kenny’s place as a full time starter in his sophomore year where he was named to the All-Pac-12 second-team. His junior season at UCLA was his best, Kenny ranked second on the team with 75 tackles and six sacks. He was also named third-team All-American by the Associated Press and named to the All-Pac-12 first-team. After the 2015 season, Kenny declared for the 2016 NFL draft.
The Interview
Paul Frances (VAVEL): Kenny, I’d like to thank you on behalf of myself and VAVEL.com for giving up your time to take part in this interview today.
Kenny: Yep, it’s my pleasure.
VAVEL: When and how did you first start playing football?
Kenny: I first started playing football when I was around seven years old. My dad had me watch Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens back in the day. Basically my dad took me to and signed me up to play on my first team, the San Bernardino Hawks. He took me to watch them practice first and then signed me up. My uncle was coaching the team.
VAVEL: Growing up as a kid, who were some of the players in the NFL that you looked up to and admired?
Kenny: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to name a few. People who were good off the field too, people who were big influences in the community and also played hard on a Sunday.
VAVEL: Have you always played on the defensive line?
Kenny: No, I used to play running back, wide receiver and linebacker. I used to play a lot of linebacker as my dad always wanted me to like Ray Lewis. So I played a LOT of linebacker.
VAVEL: Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit you had a lot interest from some top college football programs including the University of Nebraska, the University of Southern California, the University of California, UCLA and the University of Washington. What made you choose to attend UCLA?
Kenny: Really it was the coaches. I loved the coaches and you could just tell that they were genuine guys from the start. They were ex NFL coaches and they cared about me and my family and told my mom they would take care of me. For me it’s always about the relationship.
VAVEL: You put up some great numbers in your junior year (2015). You recorded a career high 75 tackles (Second on the team), six sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. What made you decide to forgo your senior season and enter the NFL draft?
Kenny: I thought it was the best thing for me and my family. I felt that I had done my part at UCLA, I had two great seasons. I always play to the best of my ability and the biggest thing for me was that I feel I am ready for the next level.
VAVEL: You played in three college bowls during your time at UCLA (2 wins, 1 loss), which was your favorite game to play in and why?
Kenny: It was the Alamo Bowl (2015). It was a great experience; we had some fun in Texas. We won and it was an amazing time for my teammates and I.
VAVEL: What has the support been like from UCLA’s head coach Jim Mora and all of the UCLA coaching staff as you prepare to enter the NFL draft?
Kenny: It’s been good. I go and talk to coach Angus McClure every week to get some advice on what I should be doing to get ready for my pro-day or any workouts. Coach Mora has been wishing me luck in everything I do and he’s rooting for all of us who have declared for the NFL draft, he’s happy for us all.
VAVEL: How has your time as a Bruin prepared you for the NFL?
Kenny: Because of the way UCLA was run, it really helped me because it was like how the NFL is run. Coach Mora and a lot of the other guys are ex NFL coaches. Everything we did was like the NFL, from top to bottom. The way we practiced, held walkthroughs and structured meetings. Coach Mora brought that pro vibe to the program, very business-like and it made you tough mentally.
VAVEL: What is your fondest memory from UCLA?
Kenny: I would say the comradery we had as teammates. We did everything together, we won together, we lost together and had fun together. All great memories; never forgotten. There was such a close bond.
VAVEL: You have just returned from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. What was the toughest part of the experience for you?
Kenny: I feel everything went pretty smooth as far as the combine but the toughest part was probably all of the different types of tests. I just wanted to get straight to the football side of things but I had to get through a lot of tests and there was a lot of waiting around. I think it shows that you have to be mentally tough as well to take that next step to the pros. Invaluable experience.
VAVEL: Did you enjoy talking to the NFL coaches and scouts at the combine? What did you learn about what an NFL team expects from you?
Kenny: I loved it. It was great just meeting some of the guys I met. I met with almost every coach and you could tell that the NFL is on a different level. It was crazy meeting people that you see on TV, people you have either rooted for or against at some point and now you were talking with them face to face. It was a blessing for me and my family.
VAVEL: What has the feedback been like from teams on your performance at the combine?
Kenny: I haven’t spoken to a lot of teams regarding my combine performance but have had a lot of feedback from my agent and my teammates. My agent has said that a lot of teams loved the way I handled myself at the combine, which is good to know.
VAVEL: Evaluating you as a player, what are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
Kenny: My biggest strength is my run stopping and I would have to say my biggest weakness right now would be my pass rush. The only reason it’s my pass rushing ability is because of me, I always feel I need to improve I that area. I feel that I improved on that area last season but I feel that I am nowhere near my full potential as a pass rusher.
VAVEL: What do you feel is the most underrated part of your game?
Kenny: The most underrated part of my game I feel is me. I feel that nobody knows the level of potential that I have. I feel that I haven’t even tapped into half of what I got to offer. I’m not even 21 yet; I feel that I can improve on so many things. I’m a quick leaner and really committed to being the best I can be. That’s the biggest thing for me; I got a lot more to come.
VAVEL: Looking ahead to the draft, you are projected as a first or maybe a second round pick. What are you doing to sell yourself to NFL teams right now that could assure you go in the first?
Kenny: It is about selling yourself but I just want people to see who I am and see how much I really love the game. I want people to know that this is what you get every day, this is not fake, and I am not faking anything for you to draft me. I’m just trying to be myself; I’m giving my all every day.
VAVEL: After a good performance at the combine, is there more to come at UCLA’s Pro Day (March 15th)? What if anything are you trying to improve on?
Kenny: I was happy with my combine but not yet decided on the details of my pro day.
VAVEL: Are there any NFL players (past or present) that you study, model your game after, or feel you draw comparisons to?
Kenny: I study a lot of guys and have taken what I can from their games. Guys like Geno Atkins, Haloti Ngata, Mike Daniels, Cameron Heyward and Dontari Poe. I love how they all play the game.
VAVEL: Is there a particular type of defense that you feel you are more suited too?
Kenny: I can play in any defense. I can play nose or end in a 3-4, I can play in a 4-3 or in a tight five (5-2) defense. I’m versatile in what I can do.
VAVEL: What can an NFL team expect from Kenny Clark?
Kenny: A player that’s going to work hard and always put the team first regardless of anything that happens on our team. I’m going to put the team first before anything. I’m going to be unselfish, handle my business and lead the team. I will do everything I can to earn respect from my teammates, coaches and the fans. I’m going to do my job and what I’m coached to do.
VAVEL: There have been many great defenses in NFL history. The 85’ Chicago Bears, the New York Giants “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” defense of 86’ and 90’, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the 76’ Pittsburgh Steelers and the 13’ Seattle Seahawks to name but a few. If you could choose one, which D would you have loved to have been part of?
Kenny: I would have to say the 2000 Ravens. First off they’re my favorite team, secondly watching Ray Lewis lead that team and his pregame speeches that get the team all fired up. I would have loved to have been part of that.
VAVEL: Which NFL team do you cheer for on Sundays?
Kenny: The Baltimore Ravens.
VAVEL: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life and career so far?
Kenny: It has to be my mom and dad. Just seeing what they go through on a daily basis to help me out and help me to be a better person every day.
VAVEL: Finally Kenny, I’m going to put you on the spot. Is there any quarterback currently playing in the NFL that you can’t wait to get your hands on next season?
Kenny: I just want to get as many sacks and hits on any quarterback next season. Once I get on my team it’s going to be the quarterback on our biggest rival’s team that I will be hunting for.
VAVEL: Kenny once again I’d like to thank you for taking part in this interview today, it’s been great getting to know you.
Kenny: Thanks Paul!
If you would like to keep up to date with Kenny’s journey into the NFL you can follow him on Twitter @KCBoutThatLife
Kenny has prototypical size for an NFL defensive tackle and has shown great schematic versatility at UCLA, where he played at defensive end, defensive tackle and nose tackle for the Bruins. He has proven himself as an outstanding run stopper and has shown much improvement as a pass rusher.
Kenny possesses exceptional strength, a low center of gravity and a powerful core. He has the ability to eat up double teams and has the hand skills to fight through blocks.
His wrestling background gives him a huge advantage at the point of attack and his explosiveness to move blockers off the ball destroys the pocket on the inside. He is very disruptive and consistently forces blockers back far enough that he can get his hands on a pass and deflect the ball.
Kenny has the talent to be a first-year starter on most NFL teams and he has a very high ceiling. His character will make him a hit on any NFL team and his versatility should guarantee him a first round selection come draft day.