[Football preview] Q&A with Matt Clark

Published: Friday, October 29, 2004

Ask cornerback Matt Clark, and he’ll tell you: he vividly remembers UCLA’s game against USC last season, a game in which the Bruins were thoroughly overmatched. That game continues to be his inspiration this year, and the results have shown. During the 2004 season, Clark has been the anchor of the Bruins’ cornerback corps, doing his best week after week to shut down the opposing team’s top receivers. But there’s more to knowing Matt Clark than simply analyzing what he does on the football field. He recently sat down with the Daily Bruin to discuss, among other things, his position, his family, and what video games he plays in his spare time.

DB: How do you think you’ve played so far this year? MC: This is one of my better years. It’s my last year, and I’ve been pretty happy so far with what I’ve been doing. But I can always get better out there and help my team in more ways. DB: Last year Mike Williams had a pretty big game against UCLA, and against you in particular. Was that any inspiration to you? MC: It’s kind of funny you bring that up. When he popped that touchdown pass on me, I was really upset about that because I really felt that I could have made a play on that ball. I was in position, and I didn’t turn around and look for the ball. I didn’t want to feel like that anymore during my senior year. I just wanted to commit myself this summer to working hard and getting better. DB: Was that a turning point for you? MC: Definitely. Yeah, definitely. DB: How much does size have to do ... with the cornerback position? MC: Honestly, I really don’t think size matters. If you’re able to be in position to make a play on the ball and jump, I think you can make a play against a taller receiver. I feel like I’m judged. I’m 5-foot-9. I’m not the biggest corner, but I play with the size of my heart. That’s how I measure myself. DB: You grew up with four older sisters, so you’re the baby boy at home. What’s that like? MC: (laughs) It was actually cool growing up. They took care of me. They taught me some little stuff, one or two things about girls. That kind of worked in my hands (laughs). It was good, a good family. They’re always at the games, supporting me since day one. DB: What’s the single-best piece of relationship advice they gave you? MC: (laughs) Just to treat girls right. That’s it. DB: Your profile says “hobbies include playing video games and doing group activities.” What group activities? MC: You know, parties, going out with my friends sometimes, just hanging out with them. That’s group activities right there. That’s pretty much it. (laughs) DB: And video games? What’s your favorite video game? MC: Madden 2005. DB: Who’s the best Madden player on this team? MC: I’d have to say myself. We’re going to definitely have a challenge after this season. DB: Now it’s time for a little word association. I say a name or a phrase, and you say the first thing that comes to mind ... Karl Dorrell. MC: Great. Great coach. DB: Mike Williams. MC: Big time player. DB: UCLA football. MC: On the rise.