[Football preview] Q&A with Matt Clark

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.

By David Regan, Bruin sports senior staff